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HAM 



INCOLN 



H I S 



Gf[EAT FUHERAL COIJTEGE, 

FROM 

Washii^gtoij City to Spriijgfield, Illiijois, 



WITH A 



H1ST0I|Y A\D DESCI^1PTI0I( 



OF THE 



'Rational Lifoi^ lofMEitr, 



BY J. C. POVVEI^. 



^PRINGFIELD, JlLINOIS, 
1872. 



^ 



UNCOLNIAWA 



Entered according: to Act of Congress, In the year 1872» 

By JOHN CARROLL POWEE, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington* 



PREFACE 



When I first contemplated writing a history and 
description of the ISTational Lincoln Monument, I had 
no thought of extending it beyond the limits of a small 
pamphlet. My desire was simply to prepare something 
that Avould enable visitors to the Monument to obtain 
such information as all are desirous to have, who enjoy 
the privilege of making such a visit. My intention 
was to confine it to such limits that the price would be 
no barrier to any visitor taking it. After beginning, it 
occurred to me that the subject might be made interest- 
ing to those who never expected to visit the Monument, 
and I began to prepare a biography of Abraham Lin- 
coln, intending to make it very brief. That soon grew 
to dimensions entirely beyond the limits I had fixed in 
my own mind. The idea that a medium course would 
be preferable, presented itself, and I decided to begin 
with the assassination, give a full account of the jour- 
ney from Washington City to Springfield, and then fol- 
low with a history and description of the Monument. 
I was not unmindful that the frequent repetitions in- 
volved in describing the journey would make it very 
difficult to keep up the interest to the end. My con- 
viction that the description of the Great Funeral Cor- 
tege, and of the Monument should go together, overcame 
my misgivings, and I decided to rely upon the read- 
er's interest in the subject to hide any defects of my 
own in presenting it. 

Springfield, III., March, 1872. J. C. P. 



This work is for sale T)y all booksellers ; but if you find your 
nearest book store without it, you can obtain a copy through the 
mail, by sending $1.50 to J. C. POWER, Springfield, Illinois. 

Illinois Journal Co. Stereotypers Printers and Binders, Springfield. 



TABLE OF COISrTEJSTTS. 



PAGE 

CHAPTEPv I 9 

Surrender of the rebel army under General Lee, and de- 
monstrations of rejoicing throughout the loj^al States; 
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and demonstrations 
of mourning throughout the Union - A striking con- 
trast between April 10 and April 15, 1SG5 ; Preparations 
for the funeral of President Lincoln. 

CHAPTER II 19 

Commencement of funeral services at the Executive Man- 
sion, and in the Potuuda of the Capitol of the nation, 
on the nineteenth of April — also at towns and cities all 
over the Union, and in the Dominion of Canada. 

CHAPTER III 26 

Multitudes view the remains at the Capitol ; Preparations 
for the Funeral Cortege; Selection of the Guard of 
Honor; Congressional Delegation ; Illinois Delegation 
and others. 

• CHAPTER IV 84 

Closing scenes at Washington, and departure of the Fu- 
neral Cortege; Arrival at Baltimore, and demonstra- 
tions of respect and mourning in that city; Journe5'-to 
Harrisburg, and manifestations of reverence and sorrow 
at that place ; From Harrisburg to Philadelphia, and 
incidents connected therewith. 

CHAPTER V 38 

Reception at Philadelphia by an immense procession; 
The remains conveyed to Independence Hall, where 
they lay in state thirty-two hours, passing the Sabbath 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

ia this sanctuary of the Republic; The dead Presideut 
and the broken Bell ; the tide of people pouring through 
the Hall to view the remains; Funeral services in the 
Philadelphia churches; Departure of the Funeral Cor- 
tege, and incidents of the journey through New Jer- 
sey. 

CHAPTER VI 46 

Tlie funeral train arrives in New York; Magnificent re- 
ception and gorgeous procession; Ceaseless living tide 
through the City Hall, for more than twenty-four hours, 
niglit and day, to see the face of the dead President ; 
Another grand procession escorts the remains through 
the streets; Jewish, Catholic and Protestant divines 
vie with each other in demonstrations of respect to tlje 
memory of Abraham Lincoln ; Oration of George Ban- 
croft, Prayer bj-- a Jewish Rabbi, and ode by William 
Culleu Bryant, all in Union Square; General Scott at 
the depot. 

CHAPTER Vn 50 

Departure of the train from New" York ; Demonstrations 
opposite "West Point, at Poughkeepsie and other places ; 
Torchlight procession across the Hudson river; Arri- 
val at Albany ; The remains lying in State at the Capi- 
tol; Immense number of people visit the remains; 
Capture and death of Booth, the assassin; Gigantic 
procession escort the remains to the depot; Departure 
of the Funeral Cortege. 

CHAPTER VIII 65 

Incidents of the journey from Albany to Buffalo; A 
panorama of torch lights, musical societies and bauds, 
military and citizens, through the entire night: arrival 
at Buffalo, and reception there; Throngs of people 
view the remains; Canadians come over and take part 
in the demonstrations. 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS 



PAGE 

CHAPTER IX 7-2 

Departure of the Funeral Cortege; lucidents of the 
jouruey, and demonstrations of sorrow along- the line ; 
Arrival at Cleveland, and magnificent reception ; Tem- 
ple erected for the purpose of exhibiting the remains ; 
Gorgeous procession; Religious services; Throngs of 
people. 

CHAPTER X 78 

The Funeral Cortege takes its leave of Cleveland at mid- 
night in a heav}' rain storm; Manifestations of sorrow 
at all the stations and towns on the road; Arrival at 
Columhus; Demonstrations of sorrow by the invalid 
soldiers; Great procession; Oration b}' Hon. Job E. 
Stevenson; Departure from Columbus. 

CHAPTER XI 85 

Incidents of the journey, and manifestations of sorrow 
along the road; Richmond and Dublin, aud the Qua- 
kers of Waj'ne county, Indiana ; Arrival at Indianapo- 
lis ; The rain storm ; Vast concourse of people view 
the remains throughout a rain}' Sabbath ; Rules and 
regulations for running the train ; Departure at mid- 
night. 

CHAPTER XII 9> 

Tlie people assemble in great numbers at all the towns 
and stations; Lafayette; ^Michigan Ciry; Arrival at 
Chicago; IMagnificent funeral arch; Sig:ial guns and 
tolling of hells; Grand procession; Former rebel sol- 
diers in the procession; Mottoes and inscriptions; 
Splendid decorations; Demonstrations of respect to 
deceased kings of England and to President Lincoln 
contrasted; Closing the coffin, and a torchlight proces- 
sion to the depot ; The depfirture. 



^ 



TABLE OF CONTENl^S, 



PAGE 

CHAPTER XIII 106 

Journey from Cliicago ; Demonstrations at stations and 
towns along the route ; Joliet ; Bloomington ; Arrival 
at Springfield; The procession; The remains at tiie 
State House. 

CHAPTER XIV 113 

Descriptions of the decorations at the State House ; Gov- 
ernor's Mansion and the Lincoln residence ; Mottoes 
and inscriptions; Money expended by the citj^ of 
Springfield; Entertaining the vast multitude; Chicago 
Committee of One Hundred have their photographs 
taken in front of the Lincoln residence; People march 
past the remains the entire night; No cessation of visi- 
tors for twenty-four hours ; Singing at the State House 
by two hundred and fifty voices; Funeral procession 
from the State House to Oak Ridge Cemetery; Relig- 
ious services at the tomb; Funeral oration by Bishop 
Simpson; Closing scenes at Oak Ridge; Table of dis- 
tances traveled by the Funeral Cortege. 

CHAPTER XV 130 

ISTational Lincoln Monument Association ; Construction of 
a temporary vault on the new State House grounds; 
Newly erected vault not used; Remains deposited in 
the public vault at Oak Ridge ; Entry in the register ; 
National Lincoln Monument Association organized un- 
der the laws of Illinois; Personnel of its members; 
Elects officers and adopts by-laws ; Decides to build the 
monument in Oak Ridge and builds a temporary vault 
there; Advertise for designs fin- a monument ; Adopt 
that ofi'ered by Larkin G. Mead ; Entered into contract 
with Mr. Mead for the statuary ; Order statue of Lincoln 
and United States Coat of Arms to be made ; Contract 
with W. D. Richardson to build the architectural part of 
the monument. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

CHAPTER XVI 141 

Ground broken and work commenced on the monument ; 
Statement of the assets of the Association ; Executive 
or Building Committee ; Description of the monument ; 
Engraving of ground plan, with explanation ; Engra- 
ving of terrace, with explanation ; Engraving of eleva- 
tion of the crypts, with explanation; Engraving of 
sectional view of the monument, with explanation ; Ash- 
lars, containing the names of the States; Engraving of 
round pedestal, with explanation ; Engraving of U. S. 
Coat of Arms, with explanation; Engraving of the 
monument as it will appear when completed, with ex- 
planations. 

CHAPTER XVn *. 156 

History and description of the stone from the wall of Ser- 
vius Tullius. 

CHAPTER XVm 163 

History of the design and progress of the work ; Criti- 
cisms on the statue of Lincoln ; It is pronounced a sig- 
nal success; Death of Thomas (Tad) Lincoln, and 
depositing his remains in the monument; Governor 
. Palmer becomes a member of the Association ; Re- 
mains of President Lincoln removed from the tempo- 
rary vault into the crypt designed for it in the monu- 
ment. 

CHAPTER XIX 168 

Raising the money to build the monument ; Contribu- 
tions by the Sunday School children ; Colored people ; 
Churches; Free Masons; Odd Fellows; Indians; Sol- 
diers; Missionary sends money from Hong Kong, Chi- 
na; Suuday School in Alaska; Citizens of New York; 
of Boston; The only three States contributing to the 
funds; Work all paid for as far as completed; Tributes 
of the Nations, or Expresssons of Condolence and 
Sympathy; Present membership of the Association; 
Executive Committee. 



? 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

CHAPTER XX. 188 

Report of the Association ; Committee of the Association 
appointed to supervise the preparation of this cliapter ; 
Appropriation from tlie State of New York lapsed; 
Contribution of Charlotte Scott, the nucleus of the 
Freedmen's Lincoln Monument Fund, at St. Louis; 
Overture to turn that fund over to the N. L. M. Asso- 
ciation at Springfield; Deliverance of A. M. E. Confer- 
ence at Indianapolis ; Interview of the author with Hon. 
James E. Yeatman ; Letter from Hon. C. S. Greeley, 
Treasurer of the Western Sanitary Commission ; Com- 
mittee appointed to make arrangements for unveiling 
the statue of Lincoln ; Committee visit Chicago and un- 
expectedly receive proposals to fiurnish a group of statu- 
ary*; Visit New York, Boston and Chicopee ; Encoura- 
ging report; Great conflagration at Chicago; The 
monument contrasted with our government at the be- 
ginning of the rebellion ; Proposal to release citizens 
of Chicago from their promises ; Decline to be released, 
and proposition to have the work go forward at once ; 
Order given for the Infantry Group ; Committee make 
another visit East; Another good report; Cavalry 
Group taken by Boston ; Naval Group by New York ; 
Artillery Group by Philadelphia; Another visit to 
Chicopee ; Statue nearly completed ; Hon. W. H. Sew- 
ard invited to visit Springfield and deliver the oration ; 
Declines on account of failing health ; Renewal of the 
$10,000 contribution by the State of New York ; Finan- 
cial statement of the Treasurer of the N. L. M, Associa- 
tion ; Letter from Gov. Morgan ; Naval Group ordered. 

CHAPTER XXI 199 

History and description of Oak Ridge Cemetery, with a 
map. 



CHAPTER I 



When the sad tidings of the assassination of Abra- 
ham Lincohi were conveyed upon the wings of the tele- 
graph to all parts of America on the morning of April 
15, 1865, there was no place where it fell Avith such 
crushing weight as in the city of Springfield, where his 
trials and triumphs were personally known to all. This 
was Saturday morning. Only five days before, Mon- 
day morning, April tenth, the news had been received 
that the largest part of the rebel army, under General 
Lee, had surrendered to our own General Grant. On the 
reception of the news of that surrender in Springfield, 
flags leaped as if by magic from public buildings and 
private residences all over the city. An hour later, all 
business was suspended, and the people were assembled 
in and around the State House square, to congratulate 
each other on the glorious news. The excitement in- 
creased Avith the crowd, and found expression in hur- 
rahs, songs and grotesque processions, and the church 
and fire bells all over the city rang out their merry 
peals. This AA^as continued for hours, and until all 
classes, old and young, joined in the general jubilee. 
Flags, large and small Avere attached to houses, horses, 
vehicles, hats, coats, and CA^ery other place Avhere a flag 
could be displayed. Business houses and private resi- 
dences A'ied AA'ith each other in their display of patriotic 
emblems. A splendid flag was thrown to the breeze 
from the old home of President Lincoln. 

In the afternoon a procession, civic and military, 
chiefly grotesque and ludicrous, paraded the streets. 
The principal object of interest AA-as the old dark bay 



10 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

horse that Mr. Lincohi had ridden many hundred miles 
on professional business and in his political campaigns. 
^' Old Bob/^ or " Robin," was decorated with a rich 
blanket, red, white and blue, thickly studded Avith 
flags, and bearing the inscription, " Old Abe's Horse." 
He was soon robbed of his flags, they having been se- 
cured by the people as mementoes. 

About half past six o'clock p. m. a salute of twenty 
guns was fired, followed by a fine display of fire-works. 
Many of the public and private residences were then, 
illuminated. By eight o'clock an immense croAvd of 
citizens had assembled in the State House and grounds 
surrounding it. Patriotic speeches were made by a 
number of prominent men, interspersed with music by 
a fine band. At a later hour \\\q citizens dispersed to 
their homes ; the noise died away, and the city was at 
rest. It was but a day or two until an order was issued 
by the Secretary of War for all recruiting and drafting 
to cease. This assured the people that the government 
regarded the war to be virtually at an end, and gave a 
new impetus to the rejoicing all over the land. This 
description of the way the people acted in Springfield 
will apply to hundreds and thousands of towns and 
cities all over our country. The people continued to 
meet each other, everywhere, with broad smiles and 
words of congratulation, up to Friday night, April 14. 

We will return again to the citizens of Springfield, 
and describe their actions as an illustration of the sud- 
den change in the feelings of the people all over the 
land, from almost a delirium of joy, to the lowest 
depths of sorrow. 

On the fatal Saturday morning, April 15, the citi- 
zens of Springfield, half dressed, and, perhaps, yawn- 
ing from the eflects of a full night's sleep, as they 
sauntered out to their front yards and took uj) the morn- 
ing Journal, saw nothing unusual in the paper at first, 
but on opening it and finding the rules reversed, dis- 
playing heavy dark lines betw^een the columns, they 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 11 

hastened to find the cause. It was the work of a mo- 
ment to read^ in substance : 

*' President LiDcoln shot by an assassin, in Ford's Theatre, last 
night! Secretary Seward, at the same tim.9, stabbed, as he lay in 
bed, from the effect of wounds received by being thrown from his 
carriage a few days before ! ! Both thought to be in a dying con- 
dition!!! Vice President Johnson, Secrstary Stanton and Lieut. 
General Grant were to have been assassinated also, but some of 
the conspirators failed to perform the parts assigned them ! ! ! ! 
General Grant saved by unexpectedly leaving the Capital ! ! ! ! ! 

By a common impulse^ the people assembled about 
the State House square to talk of the awful tidings. 
The telegraph office was besieged for more news. It 
was ascertained at an early hour that the President was 
DEAD, and later in the day, that Secretary Seward 
would probably recover. After the first shock, all felt 
a desire to give some public expression to their feelings. 
Very soon the sad insignia of sorrow were displayed in 
profusion from the houses of the wealthy, and by all in 
proportion to their ability. The very poor in the out- 
skirts of the city were equally anxious with their more 
favored fellow citizens, to testify their sorrow for the 
untimely death of him whom all loved. From the doors 
of many such were displayed a piece of any black goods 
they could obtain, if it was but a narrow strip and a 
few inches in length. These demonstrations were made, 
with very few exceptions, without any distinction, what- 
ever, as to political preferences. 

The crime was so diabolical, and so firmly had Abra- 
ham Lincoln entrenched himself in the hearts of the 
people, that many, for the time being were involunta- 
rily dis^iosed to question the wisdom and goodness of 
God in permitting the awful deed to be consummated. 
This was doubtless felt in many instances where it 
failed to find utterance in words ; but, in some cases, 
it was outspoken. A clergyman of Springfield had 



12 

a niece residing in his family, who, as soon as she 
heard the news, ran to him, and, with tears streaming 
down her face, said, " O, nncle, it does seem to me that 
I can never love God any more.'' With the more 
thoughtful, however, it created a feeling of inquiry as to 
why it was permitted, and with all such,as expressed by 
the mayor of Springfield to the City Council that morn- 
ing, the inquiry was, '' Lord, what wilt Thou have us 
to do." 

A call was early issued by the Mayor, J. S. Vred en- 
burg, for a meeting of the City Council at ten o'clock. 
A notice was also circulated, that a meeting of the 
citizens w*ould be held in the State House yard at twelve 
o'clock, noon. When the City Council assembled, it 
passed resolutions to unite with the citizens in their 
public demonstration, and after appointing a committee 
to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings, ad- 
journed until four o'clock p. m. 

The meeting at the State House was called to order 
at noon, and after organizing, several of those Avho 
had long been intimately acquainted with the fallen 
chieftain made interesting remarks, calling up many 
reminiscences of his past life. Hon. John T. Stuart, 
as chairman of a committee appointed for that purpose, 
reported a series of resolutions, which were adopted as 
expressive of the feelings of the meeting. I find space 
for a single one of those resolutions : 

JResolved, That inasmucli as this city has, for a long time, been 
the home of the President, in which he has graced with his kind- 
ness of heart and honesty of purpose, all the relations of life, it 
is appropriate that ils "City of the Dead" should be the final 
resting place of all of him that is mortal, and to this end we 
rcspectfull}^ request the appointment of a committee o« the part 
of the City Council, to act in conjunction with tlie Governor of 
the State, with a view of bringing hither his remains for inter- 
ment. 



/ 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 13 

The City Council assembled, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, and adopted the resolution passed by the public 
assembly relative to the removal of the remains, and 
appointed the following committee, to proceed to AVash- 
ington City, for the purpose of co-operating with Gov- 
ernor Oglesby — who was there at the time of the 
assassination — in bringing the remains of President 
Lincoln to Springfield: Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Hon. 
Lyman Trumbull, Hon. John T. Stuart, Hon. Shelby 
M. Cullom, Ex-Governor Richard Yates, Gen. I. N. 
Haynie, Gen. John A. McClernand, Ex-Mayor J. S. 
Vredenburg and flavor elect Thomas J. Dennis. Gov- 
ernor Oglesby was informed by telegraph of the action 
of the City Council. A series of resolutions, reported 
by Alderman AVohlgemuth, as chairman of the com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose, were adopted as ex- 
pressing the feelings of the members of the council. 
Within a week after the assassination, almost every 
society in Springfield, religious, political, benevolent 
and social, passed resolutions expressive of their sorrow 
for the death of Abraham Lincoln, and horror at the 
crime of his assassination. 

On Sunday, the sixteenth, the people flocked to the 
churches, as though they were fleeing from some great 
calamity. Men who had not been seen in the house of 
God for months, were, on that day, among the earliest, 
and seemingly the most attentive and devotional wor- 
shippers. In some of the churches, the pulpits were 
draped in mourning, and the services partook of sol- 
emnities appropriate to a funeral occasion. 

We will once more look upon the scenes being en- 
acted at the capital of the nation. President Lincoln 
breathed his last at twenty-two minutes past seven 
o'clock, on the morning of April 15. At half past 
nine o'clock, the body was removed to the Executive 
jNIansion, and on the afternoon of that day it was 
embalmed and otherwise prepared for sepulture, by 



14 

being placed in a wooden coffin, upon which was a 
plate bearing the inscription : 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 

16Tn PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809. 

DIED APRIL 15, 1865. 

The coffin was then placed on adais within a grand 
catafalque, in the East Room, surrounded by the sad 
emblems of woe and covered with the most rare and 
costly floral tributes of affection. 

On the same day, at eleven o'clock, Chief Justice 
Chase administered to the Vice President, Andrew 
Johnson, the oath of office as President of the United 
States. By this prompt action, the interregnum in the 
office of President was but a little more than three 
hours in duration. President Johnson immediately 
called a meeting of the Cabinet. At this meeting Wil- 
liam Hunter was appointed Acting Secretary of State, 
to serve during the disability of Secretary Seward. 
On ^londay morning the following proclamation was 
issued and telegraphed to all parts of the nation : 

" The undersigned is directed to announce that the funeral cere- 
monies of the lamented Chief Magistrate will take place at the 
Executive Mansion, in this city, at 12 o'clock noon, Wednesday, the 
iiineteenth lust. The various religious denominations throughout 
the country are invited to meet in their respective places of wor- 
ship at the time, for the purpose of solemnizing the occasion by 
appropriate ceremonies. 

W. HUNTER, 
Acting Secretary of State. 

Washington, April 17, 1865." 

On the same day, the following order was issued, 
preparatory to observing funeral rites suitable to the 
occasion, at Washington : 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 15 

'WxR Department, Adjutant General's Office,) 
Washington, April 17, 1865. ) 

The following order of arrangements is directed : 

ORDER OF PROCESSIOK 

Funeral Escort in Column of March. 

One Regiment of Cavalry. 

Two Batteries of Artillery. 

Battalion of Marines. 

Two Regiments of Infantry. 

Commander of Escort and Staff. 

Dismounted Officers of INIarine Corps, Navy and Army, in tlie 

order named ; Mounted Officers of Marine Corps, Xavy and Army, 

in the order named; all Military Officers to be in Uniform, with 

Side-arms. 

civic procession. 

The Surgeon General of the United States Army, and Phj^siciaus 

to the Deceased. 

Clergy in Attendance. 

PALL bearers. pall BEARERS. 

On tJie part of tlie Senate. On tlie part of tlie House. 



Mr. Foster, of Connecticut. 
]\[r. 3Iorgan, of New York. 
]\[r. Johnson, of Maryland. 
i\[r. Yates, of Illinois. 
3[r. Wade, of Ohio. 
Mr. Conness, of California. 



Mr. Dawes, of Massachusetts. 
Mr. Cc^flroth, of Pennsvlvania. 
Mr. Smitli, of Kentucky. 
Mr. Colfax, of Indiana. 
Mr. Worthington, of Nevada. 
Mr. Washburn, of Illinois. 



Army. Navy. 



Vice Admiral D. G. Farras^ut 
Rear Admiral W. B. Shubrick. 
Col. Jacob Zeilen, Marine Corps. 



Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant. 
Major General H. W. Halleck. 
Brev. Brig. Gen. W. A. Nichols. 

Cwilians. 

O. H. Browning. I Thomas Corwin, 

George Ashmun. |" Simon Cameron. 

Family. 

Relatives. 

The Delegations of States of Illinois and Kentucky, as Mourners. 

The President. 

The Cabinet Ministers. 

The Diplomatic Corps. 

Ex-Presidents. 

The Chief Justice, 

And Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. 



16 

The Senate of the United States, preceded by their Officers. 

Members of the House of Representatives of the United States. 

Governors of the several States and Territories. 

Legislatures of the several States and Territories. 

The Federal Judiciary, 

And the Judiciary of the several States and Territories. 

The Assistant Secretaries of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Interior, 

and the Assistant Postmasters General, and the 

Assistant Attorney General 

Officers of tlie Smithsonian Institute. 

Members and Officers of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. 

Corporate Authorities of Washington, Georgetown 

and other cities. 

Delegations of the several States. 

The Reverend the Clergy of the Various Denominations. 

Clerks and employees of the several Departments and Bureaus, 

Preceded by the heads of such Bureaus and their respective 

Chief Clerks. 
Such Societies as may wish to join the Procession. 
Citizens and Strangers. 
The troops designated to form tlie escort will assemble in the 
Avenue north of the President's house, and form line precisely at 11 
o'clock a. m., on Wednesday, the nineteenth inst. with the left 
resting on Fifteenth street. The procession will move precisely at 
2 o'clock p. m. on the conclusion of the religious services at the 
Executive Mansion — appointed to commence at 12 o'clock meri- 
dian — when minute guns will be fired by detachments of artillery, 
stationed at St. John's Church, the City Hall, and at the Capitol. 
At the same hour, the bells of tlie several churches in Washing- 
ton, Georgetown and Alexandria will be tolled. 

At sunrise on Wednesday, the nineteenth inst. a federal salute will 
be fired from the Military Stations in the vicinity of Washington, 
minute guns between the hours of 12 and 3 o'' clock, and a national 
salute at the setting of the sun. 

The usual badge of mourning will be worn on the left arm, and 
on the hilt of the sword. 
By order of the Secretary of War : 

W. A. NICHOLS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN" MONUMENT. 17 

The Governors of several of the loyal States^ imme- 
diately after the capture of the rebel army under Gen- 
eral Lee, issued proclamations appointing days for 
thanksgiving in their respective States. These were 
all countermanded after the assassination of the Presi- 
dent, and the proclamation of the Acting Secretary of 
State adopted instead. That proclamation was incor- 
porated into and made the principal part of the procla- 
mations by Governors of States and Mayors of cities 
throughout the United States, and also in the British 
Provinces of Xorth America. The proclamations of 
some of the Mayors in the Dominion of Canada were 
fully equal in their expressions of heartfelt sympathy 
and condolence with those from similar officers in the 
United States. 

In the absence of Governor Oglesby from the State, 
Lieutenant Governor William Bross issued a procla- 
mation to the people of Illinois, recommending them 
to assemble in their several places of worship, at as 
early a day as possible, to " devoutly implore Almighty 
God to have mercy on us ; that He will restrain the 
wrath of man and cause the remainder of his wrath to 
praise Him.^^ 

On the same day that Secretary Hunter issued his 
proclamation. Governor Oglesby adopted it, and adds : 

"Responding to the spirit of the announcement, I call upon the 
people of the State of Illinois, the home of her martyred son, to 
meet in tlieir various churches and places of public worship ou 
that day, to observe it iu such manner as this painful occasion 
shall suggest at the solemn hour. 

Done at Springfield, April 17, 1865. 

R.J. OGLESBY." 

Hon. T. J. Dennis having been installed Mayor on 
the evening of the 17th, his first official act was to issue 
a proclamation in harmony with that of the Acting 



18 THE GREAT FUNERAL COETEGE, 

Secretary of State at Washington, and tlie one by Gov- 
ernor Oglesby, calling on the people of Springfield to 
assemble at their several places of worship at the time 
designated to engage in services appropriate to the oc- 
casion. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUilENT. 19 



CHAPTER II 



On Wednesday morning, April 19, I860, the sun 
arose in splendor on the glittering domes of the nation's 
Capital. The East Eoom of the Executive Mansion, 
where a Harrison and a Taylor had lain in state, now 
contained all that was mortal of one who was immeas- 
urably greater than either of them, judging by the re- 
sult of his labors and the grateful esteem in Avhich he 
was held by the people of the nation. The hour was 
approaching for the services to commence. None could 
be admitted without tickets, and there being only room 
for six hundred persons, that number of cards were is- 
sued, of which the following is an imitation : 



SOUTH. 


f/ie 


.r=S^€/}iizii t/ie ^^^eci^ei. ta 


EXEOXTTIVE MANSIOW, 

On WEDNESDAY, the 



Near 11 o'clock a body of about sixty clergymen 
entered the Mansion. Then came heads of Govern ment 
Bureaus, Governors of States, members of municipal 



20 

governments, prominent officers of the array and navy, 
representatives of foreign governments, or what is 
usually termed the Diplomatic Corps. At noon, Presi- 
dent Johnson, in company with his cabinet, except 
Secretary Seward, of the State Department, approached 
the catafalque and took a last look at his illustrious 
predecessor. The religious services were opened by 
the Rev. Dr. Hall, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
and Rector of the Epiphany, who read portions of 
Scripture used in the impressive burial service of tliat 
church, and prayer by Bishop Simpson, of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. 

Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley, of the Kew York Avenue 
Presbyterian Church, and pastor of the President and 
family, then delivered an impressive funeral sermon. 
I can only give a single quotation, but that will enable 
us to understand how President Lincoln labored with 
such untiring patience in the discharge of his official 
duties : 

" I speak what I know, and testify what I have often heard him 
sa}', wlieu I affirm that the Divine goodness and mercy were the 
props on which he leaned. Never shall I forget the emphatic and 
deep emotion with which he said, in this very room, to a company 
of clergymen and others, who called to pay him their respects, in 
the darkest days of onr civil conflict : ' Gentlemen, my hope of 
snccess in this struggle rests on that immutable foundation, the 
justness and goodness of God ; and when events are very threat- 
ening, I still hope that, in some waj--, all will be well in the end, 
beca-use our cause is just, and God will be on our side.' Such was 
his sublime and holy faith, and it was an anchor to his soul. It 
made him firm and strong; it emboldened him in the pathway of 
duty, however rugged and perilous it might be ; it made him val- 
iant for the right, for the cause of God and humanity, and it held 
him in steady patience to a policy of administration which he 
thouglit both God and humanity required him to adopt." 

Rev. Dr. E. H. Gray, Pastor of the E Street Baptist 
Church, who was at the time Chaplain of the United 



AND THE XATIOXAL LI^XOLX MONUMENT. 21 

States Senate, closed the services at the Executive 
Mansion by a fervent prayer. 

The coffin was then conveyed to the hearse, and at 
two o'clock the procession began to move. It took 
the line of Pennsylvania Avenue, and was one hour 
and a half in passing the Executive Mansion. The 
rooms, porticos and buildings at all elevated points in 
tlie city were occupied by spectators. As the proces- 
sion moved, all the bells of ^Washington, Georgetown 
and Alexandria tolled, and minute guns were fired at 
the three points named in the order of April 17th. 

First in order of procession was a detachment of 
colored troops, then followed white regiments of 
infantry, cavalry, batteries of artillery and the marine 
corps ; army officers on foot, the pall bearers in car- 
riages, and then came the hearse, drawn by six white 
horses. The coffin was so elevated as to be seen from 
all points. The floor of the hearse was covered with 
evergreens and white flowers. Then followed Presi- 
dent Johnson and his cabinet, the Diplomatic corps, 
members of Congress, Governors of States, delegations 
from the various States — that from Illinois having the 
post of honor as chief mourners — then came clerks of 
departments, military organizations, tire companies and 
civic associations, public and private carriages, closing 
with a large body of colored men and a great concourse 
of citizens and strangers. 

Ai*i'iving at the Capitol, the coffin Avas conveyed to 
the rotunda, where it was again placed on a magnificent 
catafalque. This was incomparably the largest and 
most imposing funeral procession ever seen in the 
Ca})ital of the nation. 

rhe nineteenth of April was observed with religious 
services all over the loyal States and the reclaimed 
rebel States and parts of States, and in the British Prov- 
inces of Xorth America. In addition to this, the people 
of hundreds and thousnads of towns and cities in the 
Union turned out in solemn processions, bearing em- 



22 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

blemSj mottoes and other devices expressive of their 
love for the memory of Abraham Lincoln, and of their 
sorrow for his death. Many of these processions are 
mentioned in the newspapers of the day, as being com- 
posed of from five to twenty thousand persons. 

Aside from what w^as done in the city of Washing- 
ton on that day, I shall only describe the public dem- 
onstrations at the old home of Mr. Lincoln, Springfield, 
Illinois. 

Springfield, on the nineteenth, j^resented the appear- 
ance of deep gloom and sadness. On the day of Mr. 
Lincoln^s death all goods in the stores that could be used 
for draping the buildings in mourning were taken, and 
more ordered at once by the merchants. Such addi- 
tions were made that on this day the insignia of sorrow 
were profusely displayed on the State House, Governor's 
Mansion, Post Office, Arsenal, the military headquar- 
ters of Gen. John Cook, all the State and county offices, 
and nearly all the business houses and residences in the 
city. The feelings of the people prompted them almost 
universally to comply with proclamation of ]Mayor 
Dennis, and close their houses of business. Flags on 
the public buildings were draped with mourning and 
hung at half mast. Stillness, more profound than that 
of the Sabbath, reigned throughout the city. Before 
the hour appointed for assembling, the people began to 
wend their way to the churches. AVhen the time 
arrived for the services to commence — at noon — twenty 
minute-guns were fired, at the Arsenal. The churches 
were nearly all filled to overflowing, with sorrowing 
and attentive audiences. The services partook partly 
of religious condolence and partly of panegyric and 
eulogium. Laymen, as well as ministers, took part in 
the exercises. 

In the First Presbyterian Church, of which ]\Irs. 
Lincoln was a member, and which the family attended 
while in Springfield, there were several brief but inter- 
esting addresses delivered. Rev. Dr. Bergen, a former 



AND THE XATIOXAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 23 

23astor of the Church, and the Hon. John T. Stuart, 
the first law partner of Mr. Lincoln^ were the principal 
speakers. The address bj Mr. Stuart is spoken of as 
having been replete with interesting reminiscences of 
their long and intimate acquaintance, and, as a whole, 
was such a fitting eulogium on the life and character of 
the departed Chief Magistrate, as to do honor to the 
head and heart of the speaker. 

In the Second Presbyterian Church, there was a 
number of speeches also. The Rev. Albert Hale, 
Rev. Dr. Harkey and Hon. Lyman Trumbull, were 
the principal speakers. Mr. Trumbull spoke for nearly 
an hour, in the most eloquent and touching strain, of 
the virtues, magnanimity and integrity of Abraham 
Lincoln. His remarks elicted deep responses in every 
heart. His address is remembered by those who heard 
it, as an elaborate, truthful and pathetic panegyric on 
the life, character and public services of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

In the First Baptist Church, an address was deliv- 
ered by the Hon. AY. H. Herndon, who had been the 
law partner of Abraham Lincoln for more than twenty 
years. The partnership remained until the day of Mr. 
Lincoln's death. Mr. Herndon spoke in feeling terms 
of the public and private life of his departed friend 
and co-laborer. Hon. J. C. Conkling, a long and inti- 
mate friend of Mr. Lincoln, at the same church, deliv- 
livered an equally interesting address, in which many 
reminiscences of the late Cheif Magistrate were called 
up. Judge Broadwell addressed the people at the same 
church, also. 

Appropriate services w^ere held in the Third Presby- 
terian Church. 

At the First Methodist Church, the Rev. J. L. Crane, 
the pastor, delivered an able and interesting discourse 
on the life and public services of Abraham Lincoln. 

Services suitable to the occasion Avere held in the 
English Lutheran, Xorth Baptist, German Catholic and 



24 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

many other churches throughout the city. It was a 
day of quiet, subdued and heartfelt mourning for the 
loss of one whom all could think of as a brother and 
friend, and at tKe same time as a Chief ^lagistrate of 
a great nation, unexcelled by any potentate of either 
ancient or modern times. 

Several days elapsed after the assassination before it 
was certainly known that his remains would be brought 
back to his old home for interment. 

The City Council of Springfield assembled, on the 
nineteenth of April, and passed an ordinance aj^propri- 
atiug twenty thousand dollars to be expended in defray- 
ing the expenses connected with the funeral of Abraham 
Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States. 
The ordinance was approved on the twentieth by Mayor 
Dennis. Artists were put to work to decorate the State 
House, both on the exterior and interior, with mourn- 
ing drapery. 

A public meeting of the citizens was called, on 
the twenty-fourth of the month, to make suitable 
arrangements for the reception of the body, then on 
its journey from the Capital of the nation to his 
former prairie home. This public assembly, in order 
to act more efficiently, appointed a committee of 
arrangements, composed of men who had all enjoyed a 
personal acquaintance with the now martyred Presi- 
dent. After taking the initial steps for the contsruc- 
tion of a temporary vault, to be ready by the time the 
funeral train should arrive, the committee resolved 
itself into a 

"national LINCOLN MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 

for the purpose of receiving funds and disbursing 
the same, for obtaining grounds and erecting a monu- 
ment thereon, in Springfield, Illinois, to the memory 
of our lamented Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln.'' 
Hon. James H. Beveridge, then Treasurer of tlie State 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 25 

of Illinois, was named as the treasurer of the Associa- 
tion, and " the officers, soldiers and sailors in the army 
and na\y, in camps, stations, forts and hospitals ; loyal 
leagues, lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows, religious 
and benevolent associations, churches of all denomina- 
tions, and the colored population,^' were requested to 
contribute for the purpose, the second week in May, or 
as soon thereafter as possible, and remit to the treas- 
urer named. Xational banks and postmasters were 
requested to act as agents. The proceedings were 
telegraphed to all parts of the country, and published 
in the papers. Two days after the association was 
organized, its Executive Committee published an ap- 
peal to the nation that it would, " by one simultaneous 
movement, testify its regard for his exalted character ; 
its appreciation of his distinguished services, and its 
sorrow for his death, by erecting to his memory a 
monument that will forever prove that republics are 
not ungrateful.^' 

The Association at once contracted for . a piece of 
land, containing five or six acres, near the central part 
of the city, upon which to erect the monument con- 
templated, and proceeded to construct a temporary 
vault — at the expense of the city — as a resting place 
for the remains of the President until the monument 
could be built. Men labored upon it night and day, 
in order to have it ready by the time the funeral cor- 
tege was expected to arrive. 



26 THE GEE AT FUjS^ERAL COETEGE; 



CHAP TEE III 



We will now return to the city of Washington. 
Before the departure of the funeral cortege^ arrange- 
ments were all completed for transportation. The fol- 
lowing order was issued : 

War Dep't, Washington City, April 18, 1865. 
His Excellency Governor Broiigh, and John W. Gnrrett, Esq. 
are requested to act as a Committee of Arrangements of transpor 
tation of the remains of the late President, Abraham Lincoln 
from Washington to their final resting place. They are author 
ized to arrange the time tables with the respective railroad com 
panics, and do and regulate all things for safe and appropriate 
transportation. They will cause notice of this appointment, and 
their acceptance, to be published for the public information. 

EDWIN M. STANTON, 
Secretary of ^Yay\ 

Messrs. Brough and Garrett promptly accepted their 
appointments, and entered upon the discharge of their 
duties. When they had prepared their report, the fol- 
lowing was issued as a special order : 

War Dep't, Washington City, April 18, 1865, 
Ordered : 

Firsts That the following report, and the arrangements therein 
specified, be approved and confirmed, and that the transportation 
of the remains of the late President, Abraham Lincoln, from 

Washington to his former home, at Springfield, the Capital of Illi- 
nois, be conducted in accordance with the said report and the 
arrangements therein specified. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 27 

Second, That for the purpose of said transportation, the rail- 
roads over wliich said transportation is made be declared military 
roads, subject to the orders of the War Department, and that the 
railroads aud the locomotives, cars and engines engaged in trans- 
portation be subject to the military control of Brigadier General 
McCallum, superintendant of military railroad transportation; and 
all persons are required to conform to the rules, regulations, orders 
and directions he may give or prescribe for the transportation 
aforesaid ; and all persons disobeying the orders shall be deemed 
to have violated the military orders of the War Department, and 
shall be dealt with according! 3^ 

Third, That no person shall be allowed to be transferred upon 
the cars constituting the funeral train save those who are specially 
authorized by the order of the War Department. The funeral 
train will not exceed nine cars, includiug baggage car, and the 
hearse car, which will proceed over the wiiole route from Wash- 
ington to Springfield, Illinois. 

Fourth, At the various points on the route, where the remains 
are to be taken from the hearse car by State or municipal authori- 
ties, to receive public honors, according to the aforesaid pro- 
gramme, the said authorities will make such arrangements as may 
be fitting and appropriate to the occasion, under the direction of 
the miltar}' commander of the division, department, or district, 
but the remains will continue alwaj^s under the special charge of 
the officers and escort assigned by this Department. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

REPORT OF MESSRS. BROUGH AND GARRETT. 

Washington City, D. C, April 18, 1865. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

Sm — Under your commission of this date, we have the honor 
to report — 

1. A committee of the citizens of the State of Illinois, appoint- 
ed for the purpose of attending to the removal of the remains of 
the late President to their State, has furnished us with the follow- 
ing route for the remains and escort, being, with the exception of 



28 THE GEE AT FUNEEAL COETEGE, 

two points, the route traversed by Mr. Lincoln from Springfield 
to Washington : 

' Washington to Baltimore, thence to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, 
New York, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, 
Chicago to Springfield. 

2. Over this route, under the counsels of the committee, we 
have prepared the following time card, in all cases for special 
trains : 

TIME CAED. 

Leave Washington Friday morning, April 21, at 8 o'clock, and 
arrive at Baltimore at 10 o'clock a. m. 

Leave Baltimore at 3 o'clock p. m., and reach Harrisburg at8 :20 
p. m., same day. 

Leave Harrisburg at 12 o'clock noon, Saturday, 22, and axrive 
in Philadelphia at 5 :30 p. m. 

Leave Philadelphia at 4 a. m. Monday, 24, and arrive in New 
York at 10 a. m., the same day. 

Leave New York at 4 p. m. Tuesday, 25, and arrive in Albany 
at 11 p. m., same day. 

Leave Albany at 4 p, m, Wednesday, 26, and arrive at Bufialo 
at 7 a. m. Thursday, 27. 

Leave Buffalo at 10 :10 p. m., the same day, and arrive in Cleve- 
land at 7 a. m. on Friday, 28. 

Leave Cleveland at midnight, same day, and arrive in Columbus 
at 7 :30 a. m. Saturday, 29. 

Leave Columbus at 8 o'clock p. m. Saturday, 29, and arrive in 
Indianapolis at 7 a. m. Sunday, 30. 

Leave Indianapolis at 12 midnight, Sunday, and arrive in Chi- 
cago at 11 a. m. Monday, May 1. 

Leave Chicago at 9 :30 p. m. Tuesday, May 2, and arrive in 
Springfield at 8 o'clock a. m. Wednesday, May 3. 

The route from Columbus to Indianapolis is via the Columbus 
& Indianapolis Central railway, and from Indianapolis to Chicago 
via Lafaj^ette & Michigan City. 

3. As to the running of these special trains, which, in order to 
guard, as far as practicable, against accidents and detentions, we 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 29 

have reduced to about twenty miles per hour, we suggest the fol- 
lowing regulations : 

1. That the time of the departure and arrival be observed as 
closely as possible. 

2. That material detentions at way points be guarded against 
as much as practicable, so as not to increase the speed of trains. 

3. That a pilot engine be kept ten minutes in advance of the 
train. 

4. That the special train, in all cases, have the right of road, 
and that all other trains be kept out of its way. 

5. That the several railroad companies provide a sufficient 
number of coaches for the comfortable accommodation of the 
escort, and a special car for the remains ; and that all these, to- 
gether with the engines, be appropriately draped in mourning. 

6. That where the running time of any train extends beyond 
or commences at midnight, not less than two sleeping-cars be add- 
ed, and a greater number if the road can command them, sufficient 
for the accommodation of the escort. 

7. That two officers of the United States Military Railway Ser- 
vice be detailed by you, and despatched at once over the route to 
confer with the several railway officers, and make all necessary 
preparations for carrying out these arrangements promptly and 
satisfactorily. 

8. That this programme and these regulations, if approved, be 
confirmed by an order of the War Department. 

Respectfully submitted, 

JOHN BROUGH, ) Committee 

JOHN W. GARRETT, \ ^'^^^«^^^^- 

The following with reference to the 
GUARD OF HONOR, 
Was next issued : 

) War Department, 

General Orders, 72.' [• Adjutant General's Office, 

) Washington, April 20, 1865. 

The following general officers and Guard of Honor will accom- 
pany the remains of the President from the city of Washington 
to the city of Springfield, the Capital of Illinois, and continue 
with them until they are consigned to their final resting place : 



30 THE GREAT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

Brevet Brigadier General E. D. Towusend, Assistant Adjutant 
General, to represent the Secretary of War. 

Brevet Brigadier General Charles Thomas, Assistant Quarter- 
master General. 

Brigadier General A. B. Eaton, Commissary General of Sub- 
sistence. 

Brevet Major General J. G. Barnard, Lieutenant Colonel of 
Engineers. 

Brigadier General G. D. Ramsej'-, Ordnance Department. 

Brigadier General A. P. Howe, Chief of Artillery. 

Brevet Brigadier General D. C. McCallum, Superintendent of 
Military Roads. 

Major General D. Hunter, U. S. Volunteers. 

Brigadier General J. C. Caldwell, U. S. Volunteers. 

Twenty-five picked men, under a Captain. 
By order of the Secretary of War : 
Official. E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following officers acted with the Guard of 
Honor, although I have been unable to find the order 
assigning them to that dutv : 

Rear Admiral C. H. DaVis, U. S. Navy. 

Captain ^\, R. Taylor, U. S. Navy. 

Major T. H. Fiekf, U. S. Marine Corps. 

Including them, the Guard of Honor consisted of 
twelve general officers. 

The picked men were all members of the Veteran 
Reserve corps, and were selected from the following 
regiments : 

Ninth — Captain J. ^I. IMcCamley, J. R. Edwards, J. 
F. Nelson, L. E. Bulock, P. Callaghan, A. K. Mar- 
shall. 

Seventh — First Lieutenant J. R. Durkee, First Ser- 
geant C. Swinehart, S. Carpenter, A. C. Cromwell. 

Tenth — Second Lieutenant E. Murphy, W. T. Daly, 
J. Collins, W. H. Durgin, Frank Smith. 



AXD THE ^"ATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXl'MEXT. 31 

Ttcelfth — Second Lieutenant E. Hoppv, G. E. Good- 
rich, A. E. Carr, F. Carley, W. H. Xoble. 

Fourteenth — J. Karr, J. P. Smith, J. Hanna, 

eighteenth— F. D. Forehard, J. M. Sedgwick, E. ^Y. 
Lewis. 

Ticenty-foiirth — J. P. Berrv, AY. H. Wiseman and 
J. M. Pardun. 

The three gentlemen whose names are annexed 
accompanied the escort, each acting in the capacity des- 
ignated below. 

Captain Charles Penrose, Quartermaster and Com- 
missary of Subsistence to the entire party. 

Dr. Charles K. Brown, Embalmer. 

Frank T. Sands, Undertaker. 

Congress was not in session at the time of the assas- 
sination, but a public meeting was called of all who 
were members of either house, or who were delegates 
in Congress from any of the territories, and happened 
then to be in Washington. This explains why some 
of the States were not represented on this committee. 
The following gentlemen were chosen from those 
who were present, and the body thus chosen was desig- 
nated the Congressional Committee : 

States. — Maine, Mr. Pike, New Hampshire, ^Ir Rol- 
lins ; Vermont, Mr. Foot and Mr. Baxter ; Connecti- 
cut, Mr. Dixon ; Massachusetts, Mr. Sumner and Mr. 
Hooper; Rhode Island, Mr. Anthony; Xew York, 
Mr. Harris ; Pennsylvania, Mr. Cowan ; Ohio, Mr. 
Schenck ; Kentucky, Mr. Smith ; Indiana, Mr. Julian ; 
Minnesota, ^Ir. Ramsey ; Michigan, Mr. Chandler and 
Mr. Ferry; Iowa, Mr. Harlan; Illinois, Messrs. Yates, 
Washburn, Farnsworth and Arnold, unless they pre- 
ferred being considered part of the Illinois delegation ; 
California, Mr. Shannon ; Oregon, Mr. Williams ; 
Kansas, Mr. Clarke ; West Virginia, Mr. Whaley ; 
Maryland, Mr. Phelps ; ^ew Jersey, 'My. !N"ewell ; 
Kevada, Mr. Nye; Xebraska, Mr. Hitchcock. 



32 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Territories. — Colorado, Mr. Bradford; Idaho, Mr. 
Wallace ; Dacotali, Mr. Weed. 

George N. Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms of the United 
States Senate. 

N. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-Arms of the United 
States House of Representatives. Some of the above 
named gentlemen accompanied the remains, but many 
of them did not. 

NAMES OF THE ILLINOIS DELEGATION. 

Gov. R. J. Oglesby; Gen. Isham N. Haynie, Adju- 
tant General of Illinois . Col. J. H. Eowen, Col. W. 
H. Hanna, Col. D. B. James, Major S. Waite, Col. D. 
L. Phillips, U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of 
Illinois ; Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Col. John Williams, 
Dr. S. H. Melvin, E. F. Leonard, Hon. S. M. Cul- 
lom, Hon. O. M. Hatch. 

GOVERNERS OF STATES ACCOMPANYING THE 
ESCORT: 

Governor Stone, of Iowa, and the Hon. Mr. Lough- 
ridge, of that State, accompanied the escort the entire 
journey, and rode in the car occupied by the Illinois 
Delegation. 

REPORTERS FOR THE PRESS : 

L. A. Gobright, of Washington City, and C. R. 
Morgan, for the Associated Press ; U. H. Painter, for 
the Philadelphia Inquirer ; E. L. Crounse, for the New 
York Times; G. B. Woods, of the Boston Daily Adver- 
tiser ; Dr. Adonis, of the Chicago Tribune; C. A. Page, 
New York Tribune. 

The hearse car was one that had been built in Alex- 
andria, Ya., for the United States military railroads, 
and was intended for the use of President Lincoln and 
other officers of the Government when traveling over 
those roads. It contained a parlor, sitting room and 
sleeping apartment, all of which was fitted up in the 
most approved modern style. The car intended for the 
family of the President and the Congressional Commit- 
tee, belonged to the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Bal- 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 33 

timore railroad company, ordinarily used by the Presi- 
dent and Directors of the company. It was divided 
into four compartments, thus : parlor, chamber, dining 
room and kitchen ; with water tanks and gasometer. 
The whole car was fitted up in the most elegant and 
costly manner. Both of these cars were richly draped 
in mourning. 

The remains of President Lincoln having been placed 
in the rotunda of the Capitol on the nineteenth of April, 
continued to lie there until the time appointed to start 
on the western journey. A continuous throng of visit- 
ors filed past the coffin the entire day of the twentieth. 
During that day more than twenty-five thousand persons 
looked upon the face of the illustrious deceased, many 
of them soldiers who left their beds, in the hospitals, 
to take one last look at their departed chieftain. 



34 



CHAPTEE IV. 



At six o'clock on the morning of April 21, the 
members of the Cabinet, Lieutenant General Grant 
and his staff, several United States Senators, the Illinois 
delegation, and a considerable number of army officers, 
arrived at the Capitol and took their farewell view of 
the face of the departed statesman. After an impres- 
sive prayer by the Rev. Dr. Gurley, the coffin was borne, 
without music, to the hearse car, to which the body of 
his son Willie had previously been removed. Another 
prayer and the benediction followed. 

At eight o'clock, the Funeral Cortege of Abraham 
Lincoln moved slowly from the depot, for its long and 
circuitous journey to the western prairies. Several 
thousand soldiers were in line by the side of the rail- 
road, and presented arms as the train departed amid 
the tolling of bells and the uncovered heads of the 
immense assemblage. A scene connected with the de- 
parture was so impressive that it will never be forgot- 
ten while life endures, by those who witnessed it. A 
portion of the soldiers in line near the depot were two 
regiments of U. S. Colored Troops. They stood w^ith 
arms reversed, heads bowed, all weeping like children 
at the loss of a father. Their grief was of such un- 
doubted sincerity as to affect the whole vast multitude. 
Dignified Governors of States, grave Senators, and scar- 
worn army officers, who had passed through scenes of 
blood and carnage unmoved, lost their self control and 
w^ere melted to tears in the presence of such unaffected 
sorrow. 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXUMEXT. 35 

After leaving AYasliington there was no stoppage for 
public demonstrations until the train reached Balti- 
iu/-)re, at ten o'clock the same morning. The city, 
through which Abraham Lincoln, four years before, 
had hurried in the night, to escape assassination, 
now received his remains with every possible' demon- 
stration of respect. The body was escorted by an 
immense procession to the rotunda of the INIerchants' 
Exchange, where it was placed upon a gorgeous cata- 
falque and surrounded with flowers. Here it rested 
for several hours, receiving the silent homage of thou- 
sands who thronged the portals of the edifice to take 
a last look at the features of the illustrious patriot. 

Baltimore was then under the control of loyal men, 
who felt deeply grieved that a plot had been laid there 
for his destruction when on his way to assume the duties 
of his office ; and they suffered still greater mortification 
that it was a native of their own city who had plunged 
the nation into mourning by the horrid crime of assas- 
sinating the President. The city added ten thousand 
dollars to the reward offered for the arrest of the assas- 
sin. Those who accompanied the escort the entire 
journey say that there was no other place where the 
manifestations of grief were apparently so sincere and 
unaffected as in the city of Baltimore, although they 
admit it was hard to make a distinction when all were 
intent on using every exertion to do honor to the 
memory of the illustrious statesman. 

At three o'clock p. m. the train left the depot, and 
nu\king a brief stoppage at York, Penn., a beautiful 
wreath of flowers was placed upon the coffin by the 
ladies of that city, while a dirge was performed by the 
band, amid the tolling of bells and the uncovered 
head^ of the multitude. The cortege arrived at Har- 
risburg at twenty minutes past eight o'clock p. m. By 
a proclamation of Mayor Roumfort, all business houses 
and drinking saloons were closed during the stay of the 
funeral cortege in Harrisburg. Preparations had been 



36 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE^ 

made for a grand military and civic demonstration, but 
a heavy shower of rain was pouring down when they 
reached the latter city. Col. Thomas S. Mather, of 
S])ringfield, Illinois, was on duty at Philadelphia, at 
tiie time President Lincoln was assassinated. He was 
ordered •to proceed to Harrisburg and take command 
of the United States troops at that place, and make ar- 
]-angements for giving the remains of the President a 
suitable reception. 

Col. Mather had fifteen hundred soldiers in line, who 
stood for more than an hour in the rain previous to the 
arrival of the cortege. The body was conveyed to the 
State Capitol and placed in the hall of the House of 
Eepresentatives, amid emblems of sorrow, and sur- 
rounded by a circle of white flowering almonds. Du- 
ring a part of that night, and until ten o'clock next 
day, the people in vast numbers passed through the Hall 
to look at the silent features of the martyred President. 
Under orders from Col. Mather, a military and civic 
procession commenced forming at eight o'clock Satur- 
day morning. Col. Henry McCormic was chief mar- 
shal of the civic department. The remains were es- 
corted through the principal streets to the depot. In 
order to have as much daylight as possible for the pro- 
cession at Philadelphia, the train moved away from the 
Harrisburg depot at eleven o'clock — one hour before 
schedule time. Crowds of people were at the depots 
of Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Landisville 
and Dillerville. In many places insignia of soirow 
were displayed, and all seemed anxious to obtain a 
passing view of the mournful cortege. 

At Lancaster twenty thousand people awaited the 
arrival of the train, to make their silent demonstrations 
of mourning. The depot was artistically decorated 
with flags and crape. The only words expressive of 
the feelings of the people were displayed at the side of 
the depot as a motto : 

"Abraluun Liiicolo, the Illustrious Martyr of Liberty; the nation 
mourns his loss; though dead, he still lives." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 37 

Every place of business was closed^ and insignia of 
mourning were upon every house. At the outskirts 
of the town the large force of the Lancaster Iron Works 
lined the road, their buildings all draped in mourning. 
It was affecting to see old men who had been carried 
in their chairs and seated beside the track, and women 
with infants in their arms, assembled to look at the 
passing cortege. 

This city was the home of ex-President Buchanan 
and of the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens. Mr. Buchanan 
Avas in his carriage on the outskirts of the multitude. 
In approaching the town there is a bridge or tunnel 
through which the train passed. Under this bridge, 
standing upon a rock, entirely alone, Mr. Stevens was 
recognized by personal friends on the train. An eye 
witness, who related the circumstance to me, says that 
lie seemed absorbed in silent meditation, unconscious 
that he was observed. When the hearse car approached 
he reverently uncovered his head, and replaced his hat 
as the train moved away. 

Crowds of people w^ere assembled at Penningtonville, 
Parkesburg, Coatesville, Gallaghervillc, Downington 
and Oakland. At each place flags draped in mourning 
and uncovered heads were the sole expressions of feel- 
ing. At West Chester intersection, about a thousand 
persons were assembled at the stations. As the train 
approached the city of Philadelphia, unbroken columns 
of people lined the railroad on each side for miles. 
Minute guns heralded the news as the train passed on 
to the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Balti- 
more railroad, on Broad street. Here the people were 
not counted by thousands, but by acres. The train 
reached the depot at half past four p. m., being one 
hour in advance of schedule time. 



38 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER Y. 



It was estimated that half a million people were on 
the streets. A procession, for which preparation had 
been making for several days, Avas already formed ; men 
standing in marching order, from four to twelve abreast. 
A magnificent funeral car was in readiness, which had 
been specially constructed for the occasion. The corpse 
was transferred to this car, the coffin envelo])ed in 
the American flag, and surrounded with flowers. 
The grand procession, composed of eleven divisions, 
and including every organization in the city, both 
military and civic, was seven miles in length. It 
moved through the wide and beautiful streets of the 
city to the sound of solemn music, by a great number 
of bands. The insignia of sorrow seemed to be on 
every house. The poor testified their grief by dis- 
playing such emblems as their limited means could 
command, and the rich, more profuse, not because 
their sorrow was greater, but because their wealth 
enabled them to manifest it on a larger scale. It was 
eight o'clock when the funeral car arrived at the 
southern entrance to Independence Square, on Wal- 
nut street. The Union League Association was sta- 
tioned in the square, and when the procession arrived 
at the entrance, the Association took charge of the 
sacred dust, and conveyed it into Independence Hall, 
marching with uncovered heads to the sound of a 
dirge performed by a band — stationed in the observa- 
tory over the Hall — the booming of cannon in the 
distance, and the tolling of bells throughout the city. 
The body was laid on a platform in the centre of the 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 39 

Hall, with feet to the north, bringing the head very 
close to the pedestal on which the old Independence 
bell stands. 

That old bell, with its famous inscription, rang out 
on the Fourth of July, 1776, '' Proclain liberty 
throughout all the land, to all the inhabitants there- 
of." Leviticus, xxv, 10. As if in sorrow and shame 
for the degeneracy of mankind, when the curse of sla- 
very crept into and controlled every department of our 
government, the old bell became paralyzed and bro- 
ken. The descendants of its early friends gave it 
sepulture in this Hall, where the mighty deeds were 
enacted which it proclaimed to the world with such 
grand peals. These early notes, wafted on the free 
air of heaven, w^ere heard by one of lowly birth, in 
his western home. As he pondered over them, they 
sank deep in his heart, and his whole soul answered 
to their vibrating touch, as he perused the historic 
pages of the war for American Independence. The 
years rolled on, and in his obscurity and poverty, 
he struggled for light and knowledge, with the love 
of human freedom for his guiding star. He then 
learned that our fathers indeed won their independ- 
ence of a foreign foe, but left a fetter in the land 
for their children to break. At length he began to 
dispense light to his fellow men. At first, it was 
done with such modesty and gentleness that it could 
l)e appropriately likened to the moon ; but as national 
events followed each other in quick succession, the 
wisdom of his words and the fervor of his patriot- 
ism were more like the shining of the noon-day sun, 
and were so apparent as to be known and read of 
all men. He was called to become the head of the 
nation, when the spirit fostered by slavery was threat- 
ening its destruction. He takes Avhat proved to be a 
last look at the familiar scenes of his manhood ; in 
feeling language he asks his old friends and neighbors 
to pray for him, and then sadly bids them an affection- 



40 

ate farewell. In the course of liis journey, he stood 
in this very Hall. While here, in a brief address, he 
said: 

"It was something in the Declaration of Independence, 
giving liberty, not only to the people of this country, hut hope 
to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise 
that, in due time, the weights should be lifted from the shoulders 
of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. * * * 
Now, my friends, can the country be saved upon that basis ? If 
it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the 
world, if I can help to save it. But, if this country can not be 
saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say, Iioould 
rather be assassinated upon this spot than to surrender it.'" 

He passes on, assumes the reins of government as 
the constitutionally elected president of the United 
States. A long and bloody war ensues. On the one 
side, the object was to destroy the government, because 
slavery could no longer rule it ; on the other, it was to 
save the government. In the course of the war, he 
proclaimed freedom to the slave, and otherwise admin- 
istered the government so wisely, that when the time 
arrived for choosing a man to fill his place, he was 
almost unanimously elected as his own successor. As 
soon as he entered upon the second term, the rebellion 
was so nearly crushed that he commenced the work of 
restoration where that of destruction began ; by order- 
ing the national colors to be replaced at the identical 
spot where they floated when first assailed by parricidal 
hands. His happiness seemed almost complete. The 
authority of government was restored and all men free. 
But the slave power, in its death throes, slew him by 
the hand of an assassin, and his body is now again in 
this Hall, to make its report. 

Let us imagine the inanimate clay, and the old bell 
both endowed with life. We hear the dead President say: 
" It was from you, Old Bell, as from the tongue of the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 41 

Almighty^ that I received the command to ^ Proclaim 
liberty throughout all the land^ to all the inhabitants 
thereof/ I have obeyed your orders, but see^ I too 
am broken, like thyself; these acts have cost me my 
life's blood, but what need we care, our race is run. 
Is it not enough that four millions of bondmen are 
free, and the only free government on earth saved, to 
be an asylum for the down-trodden of all lands? I 
am content.'^ 

Then we hear the old bell say : " Well done, thou 
good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful unto 
the end. Henceforth thou shalt wear a crown, even 
the martyr's crown." 

It was eminently proper that the remains of Abra- 
ham Lincoln should rest over the holy Sabbath in what 
may, without irreverence, be termed the sanctuary of 
the Republic. The interior of Independence Hall has 
been decorated on many occasions, but never before 
had such skill and taste been displayed as on this occa- 
sion. The scene was a combination of enchantment 
and gloom of unexampled brilliancy and splendor. 
Evergreens and flowers of rare fragrance and beauty 
were placed around the coffin. At the head were bo- 
quets, and at the feet burning tapers. The walls were 
hung with the portraits of many great and good patri- 
ots, soldiers and civilians, who have long since passed 
away. Among these, in a conspicuous place, was seen 
the benignant countenance of William Peun, who was 
the embodiment of peace, and yet he was not a more 
ardent lover of peace than Abraham Lincoln, who died 
the commander-in-chief of more than a million of sol- 
diers. 

In the procession and on the houses aloug the line of 
march, there were many mottoes displayed, some of them 
touchingly beautiful in their expressions of love and 
sorrow for the departed statesman. The walls of Inde- 
pendence Hall were adorned with them also. I can only 



42 

give space for some that were on wreaths of flowers 
about the coffin. A cross near its head, composed en- 
tirely of flowers artistically intertwined, bore the in- 
scription : 

^^ To the memory of our beloved President, from a 
few ladies of the United States Sanitary Commission.'' 

A beautiful wreath, presented on Saturday evening, 
bore the modest words : 

" A lady's gift. Can you find a place ?" 

An old colored woman managed to find her way into 
the Hall, and approached the Committee of Arrange- 
ments with a rudely constructed wreath in her hand, 
and Avith tears in her eyes requested that it might be 
placed on the coffin. When her request was granted, 
her countenance beamed with an expression of satis- 
faction. The wreath bore the inscription : 

^^ The nation mourns his loss. He still lives in the 
hearts of the people." 

One of the wreaths that lay near the head of the cof- 
fin contained a card with a quotation from one of Mr. 
Lincoln's conversations with his cabinet officers, the 
day before his death. It was in these words : 

^'Before any great national event, I have always had 
the same dream. I had it the other night. It is of 
a sJiij:) sailing rapidly. ^^ 

Arrangements were first made to admit those Avho 
desired to view the remains, by means of printed cards, 
which read : 

OBSEQUIES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 

late pkesident of the united states, 

Philadelphia, Apkil 22, 1865, 

AT THE 

HALL OP INDEPENDENCE, 

FROM 10 TO 12 o'clock, P. M. 

Entrance at the Coiu't House, on Sixth street, below Chesuut. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 43 

Witliln the hours designated, a constant stream of 
men and women poured through the Hall, which was 
closed at midnight. By three o'clock Sunday morning, 
a large crowd of persons, of both sexes, were congre- 
gated on Chesnut street, between Fifth and Sixth, 
Avho patiently Avaited until six o'clock — the time for 
again opening the Hall to visitors. AVhen it was opened, 
the people were formed in lines extending from Inde- 
pendence Hall to the Delaware river, on the east, and 
to the Schuylkill on the west. Thousands spent from 
three to four hours in the lines before reaching the 
Hall. Throughout the entire day and night, men 
and women, of all classes, continued to move in solid 
phalanx past the remains of the fallen chieftain. 
The crowd was so great at times that the people were 
almost suffocated. On the afternoon of Sunday, many 
women fainted in the crowd. During the day, about 
one hundred and fifty soldiers were taken in ambu- 
lances from the diiierent hospitals in and around the 
city ; and at a late hour, seventy-five veterans, who had 
each lost a leg in their country's service, hobbled into 
the Hall, there, amid the sacred surroundings, to take 
a last look at the face of him whose heart had always 
beaten in unison with their own. 

Appropriate funeral sermons and orations were de- 
livered in many of the churches of the city during the 
day. Among them may be mentioned the Rev. Dr. 
March, of the Clinton Street Presbyterian Church; 
Rev. Dr. Jeifrey, in the Fourth Baptist Church ; Rev. 
H. A. Smith, in the Mantua Presbyterian Church; 
Rev. F. L. Robbins, of the Green Hill Church ; Rev. 
N. Cyr, at the French Protestant Chapel, and Rev. J. 
Hyatt Smith, at Mechanics' Hall. 

Both nights in Philadelphia, Independence Hall was 
brilliantly illuminated, as also the Ledger, Transcript 
and other newspaper offices, and many other public 
and private buildings. The funeral escort were the 
guests of the city, and were quartered at the Conti- 



44 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

nental Hotel. While liere^ tlie hearse car was addi- 
tionally decorated, the materials being furnished and 
the work done by the citizens, who regarded it a privi- 
lege to add this testimony of their respect to the mem- 
ory of Abraham Lincoln, 

At two o'clock a. m., Monday, April 24, the coffin 
was closed and preparations made for the departure. 
At four o'clock, the funeral train moved out of 
the Kensington depot. After leaving Philadelphia, 
the track was lined on both sides with a continuous 
array of people. At Bristol and Morristown, large 
crowds stood in silence, with uncovered heads. From 
the time of leaving Washington, at many points where 
no stoppage was expected, entire neighborhoods, old 
and young, men and women, the latter frequently with 
children in their arms, turned out by the roadside by 
night and by day, and anxiously watched the gorgeous 
funeral train as it passed. Flags at half mast, mourn- 
ing inscriptions and funeral arches, testified the sorrow 
that was in every heart. Clusters of people were col- 
lected at various points between stations. The men 
reverently uncovered their heads as the funeral train 
glided by. 

The train reached Trenton at half past five in the 
morning, and was greeted by the tolling of bells, firing 
of minute guns and strains of solemn music* Crowds 
of people Avere assembled, the number estimated at 
twenty thousand, and the array of mourning inscrip- 
tions and other evidences of sorrow were abundant. 
This is the only State capital passed by the funeral 
cortege on the entire journey, at which they failed to 
stop for the people to engage in public demonstrations 
of respect. Its location between the two great cities, 
and so near them, is, no doubt, the cause of its being 
made an exception. Governor Parker and staff, with 
many citizens were taken on board here, and accom- 
panied the remains to New York. At Princeton, a 
large number of college students w^ere standing with 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 45 

reverent bearing and in silence. At JSTew Brunswick, 
the train stopped for a few moments, to find an immense 
crowd at the depot. Minute guns were fired from 
the time it came in sight until it passed from their 
view. Large numbers were assembled at Rahway and 
Elizabeth City, also. 

At Newark, every house seemed to be dressed in 
mourning. It appeared as if the inhabitants had 
turned out en masse to pay their respects to the memory 
of Abraham Lincoln. Many of the women were 
shedding tears, and the men stood with uncovered 
heads. For more then a mile, those on the train could 
only perceive one sea of human beings. The United 
States Hospital was appropriately decorated, and many 
of the soldiers on crutches Avere formed in line near it. 
Minute guns fired and bells tolled from the time the 
cortege arrived until it passed out of sight. 

At Jersey City the scene was still more impressive. 
The depot w^as elaborately draped in mourning, bells 
tolled and cannon boomed, bringing back sad echoes 
as the train moved into the depot. The crowd was 
not admitted into the vast edifice. When those on 
board the train disembarked and the coffin was borne 
along the platform, the funeral party were startled by 
a vast choir, composed of German musical associa- 
tions, which had been stationed in a gallery of the 
building. As they chanted an anthem or requiem for 
the dead, many who were unused to weeping were 
aflPected to tears. As the remains were conveyed from 
the depot to the boat, the choir chanted a solemn 
dirge and continued it until the ferry boat reached the 
opposite side of the Hudson river. The shipping of all 
nations in the harbor displayed their flags at half-mast. 



46 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER yi 



The ferry boat landed at the foot of Desbrosses 
street, New York city, at ten o'clock a. ni., April 24, and 
the coffin was at once conveyed to a magnificent hearse 
or funeral car^ prepared especially for the occasion. The 
platform of this car was fourteen feet long and eight 
feet wide. On the platform, which was five feet from 
the ground, there was a dais, on which the coffin rested. 
This gave it sufficient elevation to be readily seen by 
those at a distance, over the heads of the multitude. 
Above the dais there was a canopy fifteen feet high, 
supported by columns, and in part by a miniature tem- 
ple of liberty. The platform was covered with black 
cloth, which fell at the sides nearly to the ground. It 
was edged with silver bullion fringe, which hung in 
graceful festoons. Black cloth hung from the sides, 
festooned with silver stars, and was also edged with 
silver fringe. The canopy was trimmed in like man- 
ner, with black cloth, festooned and spangled Avith 
silver bullion, the corners surmounted by rich plumes 
of black and white feathers. At the base of each col- 
umn were three American flags, slightly inclined out- 
ward, festooned and covered with crape. 

The temple of liberty was represented as being 
deserted, or rather despoiled, having no emblems of 
any kind, in or around it, except a small flag on the 
top, at half-mast. The inside of the car was lined 
w^ith white satin, fluted. From the centre of the can- 
opy, a large eagle was suspended, with outspread wings, 
and holding in its talons a laurel wreath. The plat- 
form around the coffin was strewn with flowers. The 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 47 

hearse or funeral car was drawn by sixteen white horses, 
covered with black cloth trimming, each led by a 
groom. 

From the foot of Desbrosses street, the remains were 
escorted by the Seventh regiment New York National 
Guards, to Hudson street, thence to Canal street, up 
Canal street to Broadway, and down Broadway to the 
west gate of the City Hall Park. 

The procession which followed the remains was in 
keeping with the funeral car, the whole being inde- 
scribably grand and imposing. As far as the eye could 
see, a dense mass of people, many of them wearing 
some insignia of mourning, filled the streets and 
crowded every window. The fronts of the houses 
were draped in mourning, and the national ensign dis- 
played at half-mast from the top of almost every build- 
ing. The procession was simply a dense mass of hu- 
man beings. During the time it was moving, minute 
guns Avere fired at different points, and bells were tolled 
from nearly all the church steeples in the city. The 
chime on Trinity church wailed forth the tune of Old 
Hundred in a most solemn and impressive manner. 

On arriving at the City Hall, the coffin was borne 
into the rotunda, amid the solemn chanting of eight 
hundred voices, and was placed on a magnificent cata- 
falque, which had been prepared for its reception. The 
Hall was richly and tastefully decorated with the na- 
tional colors and mourning drapery, and the coffin 
almost buried with rare and costly floral offerings. A 
large military guard^ in addition to the Guard of 
Honor, kept watch over the sacred dust. All day and 
all night long, the living tide pressed into the Hall, to 
take a last look at the martyred remains. At the sol- 
emn hour of midnight, between the twenty-fourth and 
the twenty-fifth days of April, the German musical so- 
cieties of New York, numbering about one thousand 
voices, performed a requiem in the rotunda of the City 
Hall, with the most thrilling effect. About ten o'clock, 



48 

on the morning of April 25, while a galaxy of distin- 
guished officers were assembled around the coffin, Cap- 
tain Parker Snow, commander of the Arctic and Ant- 
arctic expedition, presented some very singular relics. 
They consisted of a leaf from the book of Common 
Prayer and a piece of paper, on which were glued 
some fringes. They were found in a boat, under the 
skull of a skeleton which had been identified as the 
remains of one of Sir John Franklin's men. The 
most singular thing about these relics was the fact that 
the only words that were preserved in a legible condi- 
tion were '^ The Martye/' in capitals. General Dix 
deposited these relics in the coffin. At a few minutes 
past eleven o'clock, the coffin was closed, preparatory 
to resuming its westward journey. Notwithstanding 
such vast numbers had viewed the corpse, there were 
thousands who had waited for hours, in the long lines, 
to obtain a look at the well known face, who were 
obliged to turn away sadly disappointed. This disap- 
pointment was not confined to any class or condition 
of men. The coffin had just been closed, in the pres- 
ence of the Sergeants of the Veteran Reserve Corps — 
who were in readiness to convey it to the hearse — and 
a number of distinguished army officers, whose com- 
missions had been signed by the deceased ; when the 
first to realize the disappointment Avere the representa- 
tives of Great Britain, Russia and France. They came 
in, glittering with scarlet, gold and silver lace, high 
coat collars, bearing embroidered cocked hats under 
their arms, with other costly trappings, and high birth 
and breeding in every gesture, desirous of seeing the 
corpse, but they were too late. 

At about half past twelve o'clock, the magnificent 
hearse or funeral car, drawn by sixteen white horses, 
each led by a groom, as on the day before, appeared 
on Broadway, at the west gate of City Hall Park. 
The coffin was next conveyed to the car. Then com- 
menced the farewell part of the funeral pageant given 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 49 

by the commercial metropolis of the nation to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln. A military force of 
more than fifteen thousand men, with the staffs of sev- 
eral brigades and divisions, with their batteries, and 
the civic societies of every conceivable kind, in a great 
city, which joined in the demonstration, formed a 
double line about five miles long — equal to a single 
column of ten miles. In many parts of the procession, 
twenty men walked abreast. It was composed of eight 
grand divisions, each division having a marshal, with 
aids. It moved through the streets to the tolling of 
bells, the firing of minute guns and the music of a 
large number of bands. The animosities and division 
Avails of parties, in politics, and sects and denomina- 
tions, in religion, if not obliterated, were so far low- 
ered, for the time being, that all parties could shake 
hands over them. Archbishop McClosky, the highest 
dignitary in the Roman Catholic church, in this 
country, walked side by side, in the procession, with 
Rev. Joseph P. Thompson, D. D., one of the most 
radical of the Congregational reformers of our land. 

I have said that all party lines were, for the time, 
hidden from view, but it devolves upon me to notice 
one exception. Notwithstanding the blending of so 
many hearts in the great national sorrow, the city 
authorities of New York, true to their Tammany in- 
stincts, took measures to prevent the colored people 
from joining in the procession. They had deferred a 
procession of their own, on the Wednesday before, in 
order that five thousand of their number might be 
ready to show their love and respect for the emanci- 
pator of their race, by joining the procession to escort 
his remains on their way to the tomb. When it was 
known that the city authorities were trying to keep 
them out of the procession. Secretary Stanton inter- 
fered, and the order was set aside, but it was too late 
to give them such assurance of protection as to bring 
out their full numbers. 
4 



50 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

It is due to Thomas C. Acton, President of the Board 
of Police Commissioners, that the colored people were 
not entirely excluded. It was he, who, but a few 
months, before, enforced the right of the colored 
people to ride in the street cars. Of the five thou- 
sand who intended to turn out, only between two and 
three hundred could be induced to risk the doubt 
and uncertainty occasioned by the action of the city 
authorities. These colored people were placed as 
an appendage to the eighth division, and to be sure 
that their rights were respected. Commissioner Acton 
sent a body of fifty-six policemen, under Sergeant 
Gay, who marched before and behind them in such 
a way as to be ready in a moment to quell any at- 
tempt at violence. A banner, prepared by the ladies 
of Henry Ward Beecher's Church, was inscribed on 
one side, 

" Abraham Lincoln, our Emancipator," 

and on the other, 

" To Millions of Bondmen, lie Liberty Gave." 

The banner was carried by four freedmen, just from 
the south, who were astonished to learn that there 
were so many more Yankees than colored people. 
Mourning emblems were displayed in such profusion 
as to be almost a wilderness of sable drapery, and the 
mottoes and inscriptions on the houses along the line 
of march, and those carried in the procession, would, 
if collected, make a volume of themselves. Space can 
be given for only a small number of them here. 

" The workman dies, but the work goes on." 



"Your cause of sorrow must not be measured by his worth ; for 
then there would be no end." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 51 

" His deeds have made his name immortal." 



Let others hail the rising sun, 
We bow to him whose race is run." 



A glorious career of service and devotion, is crowned with a 
martyr's death," 



" Well done thou good and faithful servant." 



" Can barbarism further go?" 

The New York Caledonian Club, composed of na- 
tive Scotchmen, carried a banner inscribed : 

" Caledonia mourns Columbia's martyred chief." 

A miniature monument, near University Place, bore 
the name, 

LINCOLN. 

The panels on the sides of the pedestals had the fol- 
lowing inscriptions : 

FIRST. 

" Good night, sweet prince, 
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." 

SECOND. 

" With malice towards none ; with charity for all." 

THIRD. 

" There's a great spirit gone." 

FOURTH. 

" His life was gentle, and the elements 
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up 
And say to all the world — 

This was a man." 



52 

" The heart of the nation throbs heavily at the portals of the 
tomb." 



" Our country weeps." — " In God we trust." 



" Behold how they loved him." 
" The Almighty has His own purposes.' 



"To heaven thou art fled, and left the nation in tears.' 
" His death has made him immortal.'* 



*' Oh why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 
Like a swift fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud, 
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, 
He passeth from life to his rest in the grave." 

The above is the first verse of a hymn which was a 
great favorite with JNIr. Lincohi. He committed it to 
memory in his younger days, and to repeat its verses 
was ever after a source of mournful pleasure to him. 
He never knew the authorship of it, but it was written 
by Alexander Knox, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 
year 1778. The following are the third, fifth, eleventh 
and twelfth verses : 

" The infant, a mother attended and loved ; 
The mother, that infant's aff'ection who proved; 
The husband, that mother and infant who blessed, 
Each, all, are away to their dwelling of rest. 

" The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap ; 
The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep ; 
The beggar, who wandered iu search of his bread, 
Have faded away like the grass that we tread. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 53 

" Yea ! hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, 
We mingle together in sunshine and rain ; 
And the smile and the tear, the song and the dirge, 
Still follow each other, like surge upon surge. 

'"Tis the wink of an ej'^e, 'tis the draught of a breath, 
From the blossom of health to the paleness of death — 
From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud ; 
O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud ?" 

While the procession was escorting tlie remains to 
the depot of the Hudson River Railroad, on Thirtieth 
street, a vast concourse of people assembled in Union 
Square. A meeting was opened, with Ex-Governor 
King as presiding officer. He introduced the Rev. Dr. 
Stephen H. Tyng, who repeated the beautiful words of 
the Episcopal burial service, and then offered a fervent 
prayer, appropriate to the occasion. Hon. George Ban- 
croft was next introduced, who delivered a funeral ora- 
tion. The following synopsis will give a faint idea of 
its eloquence and power : 

" Our grief at the crhne which clothed the continent in mourn- 
ing, finds no adequate expression in words, no relief in tears. 
Neither the ofiice with which Mr. Lincoln was invested by the 
approved choice of a mighty people, nor the most simple-hearted 
kindness of his nature, could save him from the fiendish passions 
of the relentless rebellion. Waiting millions attend his remains 
as tliey are borne in solemn procession over our great rivers, 
beyond mountains, across prairies, to their final resting place in 
the valley of the Mississippi. The echos of his funeral knell will 
vibrate through the world, and friends of freedom, of every tongue 
and in everj'- clime, are his mourners. 

" Members of the Government which preceded his administra- 
tion, opened the gates of treason, and he closed them. When he 
went to Washington, the ground on which he trod shook under 
his feet, and he left the Republic on a solid foundation. Traitors 
had seized the public forts and arsenals, and he recovered them 



54 THE GREAT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

to the United States. The capital which he found the abode 
of slaves, is now only the abode of freemen. The boundless 
public domain, which was grasped at, and in a great measure 
held for the diffusion of slaver}^ is now irrevocably devoted to 
freedom. These men talked the jargon of the balance of power, 
in a Republic, between slave States and free States, and now their 
foolish words are blown away forever by the breath of a Mary- 
laud, Missouri and Tennessee — the only States that adopted vol- 
untary emancipation. The atmosphere is now purer than ever 
before, and insurrection is vanishing away. The country is cast 
into another mould, and the gigantic S3'stem of wrong, which has 
been the work of two centuries, is dashed down we hope forever. 

" As for himself, personally, he was then scoffed at by the proud, 
as unfit for his station, and now, against the usage of latter years, 
and in spite of numerous competitors, he was the unbiased and 
undoubted choice of the American people for the second term of 
service. Through all the business of suppressing treason, he re- 
tained the sweetest and most perfect disposition. The destruction 
of the best, on the battle field, and the more terrible destruction 
of our men in captivity, b}^ the slow torture of exposure and 
starvation, had never been able to provoke him into harboring 
one revengeful feeling, or one purpose of cruelty. How shall the 
nation most completel}-- show its sorrow at Mr. Lincoln's death ? 
How shall it best honor his memory? There can be but one an- 
swer. Grief must, like the character of action, breathe forth, in 
assertion of the policy to wiiich he fell a sacrifice. The standard 
which he held in his hand, must be uplifted again, higher than 
before, and must be carried above everything else. This emanci- 
pation must be affirmed and maintained. 

" For the Union, Abraham Lincoln has fallen a martyr. His 
death, which was meant to sever it beyond repair, binds it more 
firmly than ever. From Maine to the Southwestern boundary of 
the Pacific, it makes us one. The country may have needed this 
imperishable grief, to touch its inmost feelings. The grave that 
receives the remains of President Lincoln, receives a martyr to 
the Union, and the monument which rises over his body will bear 
witness to the Union. His enduring memory will assist, during 
countless ages, to bind the States together, and to incite a love for 



i 



A^sD THE NATIOITAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 55 

our indivisible country. Peace to the departed friend of liis 
country and liis race. Happy was his life, for he was a restorer 
of the Republic, and he was happy in his death, for the manner 
of his end will plead forever for the Union of the States 'and 
the freedom of man.' " 

The last inaugural address of President Lincoln was 
then read by Rev. Joseph P. Thompson, D.D., folloAved 
by the reading of the ninety-fourth Psalm, by Rev. 
W. H. Boole, which was exceedingly appropriate to 
the occasion. It was addressed by King David to the 
enemies of his country, and can not be read too often. 
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Rogers. It was 
both concise and comprehensive, enumerating in its 
petitions all the wants of the people and nation. Rabbi 
Isaacs, of the Jewish Synagogue, on Broadway, then 
read a portion of Scripture and offered a fervent and 
touching prayer, from Avhich I give a single quotation : 

" Thy servant, Abraham Lincoln, has, without wai'niiig, been 
summoned before Th}'- august presence. He has served the people 
of his afflicted land faithfully, zealousl}^, honestly, and, w^e w^ould 
fain hope, in accordance with Thy supreme will. O, that his 
' righteousness may precede him and form steps for his way,' to 
the heavenly abode of bliss; that Thy angels of mercy may be 
commissioned to convey his soul to the spot reserved for martyred 
saints; that the suddenness with which one of the worst of beings 
deprived him of his life, may atone for any errors which he may 
have committed. Almighty God! every heart is pierced by an- 
guish — every countenance furrowed with grief, at our separation 
from one we revered and loved. We beseech Thee, in this period 
of our sorrow and despondency, to soothe our pains and calm our 
griefs. * * * * Our Father who art in heaven, show us this 
kindness, so that our tears may cease to depict our sorrow, and 
give place to the joyful hope that, through Thy goodness, peace 
and concord may supersede war and dissension, and our beloved 
Union, restored to its former tranquility, may be enabled to carry 
out Thy wish for the benefit and the happiness of humanity. 



56 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

We pray Thee, do this; if not for our sakes, for the sake of our 
little ones, unsullied by sin, who lisp Thy holy name, with hands 
uplifted, with the importunity of spotless hearts, they re-echo our 
supplication. Let the past be the end of our sorrow, the future 
the harbinger of peace and salvation to all who seek Thee in 
truth. Amen." 

Rev. Dr. Osgood then read a hymn entitled, " Thou 
hast put all things under Thy feet," which was written 
by William Cullen Bryant. An " Ode for the Burial 
of Abraham Lincoln," by the same author, was read 
by Dr. Osgood, also. It reads as follows : 

" Oh slow to smite and swift to spare, 
Gentle, and merciful, and just, 
Who, in the fear of God, didst bear 
The sword of power, a nation's trust. 

" In sorrow by thy bier we stand. 
Amid the awe that hushes all, 
And speak the anguish of a land 
That shook with horror at thy fall. 

" Thy task is done ; the bond are free ; 
We bear thee to an honored grave, 
Whose noblest monument shall be 
The broken fetters of the slave. 

" Pure was thy life ; lits bloody close 

Hath placed thee with the sons of light. 
Among the noble host of those 
Who perished in the cause of right." 

Archbishop McClosky, who was to have pronounced 
the benediction, having become exhausted by his long 
walk in the procession, was not present, and that ser- 
vice was performed by Rev. Dr. Hitchcock. 

The following is an extract from a sermon by Henry 
Ward Beecher, at Plymouth Church, Sunday April 30, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 57 

1865, with reference to the funeral cortege of Abraham 
Lincoln : 

" And now the martyr is moving in triumphal march, mightier 
than when alive. The nation rises up at every stage of liis com- 
ing; cities and states are as pall bearers, and the cannon beat the 
hours in solemn procession; dead, dead, dead, he 3a>t spcaketh! 
Is Washington dead ? Is Hampden dead ? Is David dead ? Is 
any man, that was ever fit to live, dead ? Disenthralled from the 
flesh, and risen to the unobstructed sphere where passion never 
comes, he begins his illimitable work. His life is now upon the 
infinite, and will be faithful as no earthly life can be. Pass on. 
Four years ago. Oh ! Illinois, we took from your midst an untried 
man, from among the people. Behold! we return to you a 
mighty conqueror, not thine any more, but the nation's — not 
ours, but the world's. Give him place, Oh, 3^e prairies. In the 
midst of this great continent his dust shall rest, a sacred treasure 
to the myriads who shall pilgrimage to that shrine, to kindle 
anew their zeal and patriotism. Ye winds that move over the 
mighty prairies of the west, chant his requiem! Ye people, be- 
hold the martyr, whose blood, as so many articulated words, 
pleads for fidelity, for law, for liberty." 

The faneral cortege remained thirty hours in New 
Yorkj and about tw^enty-two of that time, the corpse 
was exposed to public view. During those hours, it 
was thought to be a moderate estimate, that one hun- 
dred and tw^enty thousand persons looked upon the 
rigid features of Abraham lincoln. It was also esti- 
mated that, on the twenty -fifth of April, from seventy- 
five to one hundred thousand persons took part in the 
procession, and that there was at least half a million 
spectators along the line of the procession. Some 
newspaper reporters placed the number that viewed 
the remains atone hundred and fifty thousand, and the 
spectators of the procession at three quarters of a 
million. 

The more I think of the subject^ the more I am 



58 THE GEE AT FUJs^ERAL COETEGE, 

impressed with the inadequacy of language to convey 
a correct idea of the intensity of feeling and the mag- 
nitude of the demonstration ; but take it in all its 
bearings, New York paid a tribute of respect to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln, the like of which was 
never approached in this country before, and has proba- 
bly not been excelled in the obsequies of any ruler in 
the history of the world. 

One incident I can not forbear to mention. Lieuten- 
ant General Scott accompanied the escort through the 
city, in his carriage. At the Thirtieth street depot, he 
paid his last respects to the remains of President Lin- 
coln, and then withdrew from the crowd and stood 
alone, waiting for the departure of the train. One of 
the Illinois delegation, who was also a member of 
Congress, approached the General and introduced him- 
self, offering as an apology for doing so, the fact that 
it was his first, and might be his last opportunity. 
General Scott assured him that no apology was necces- 
sary, and straightening himself to his full height, said, 
" You do me honor. Sir. ^ Notwithstanding he was in 
his seventy-ninth year, the gentleman who related the 
circumstance to me, says he was the most majestic 
specimen of a man he ever saw. After introducing 
the other members of the delegation, they all left him 
and entered the cars. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 59 



CHAPTEK yil. 



The hearse car and Generals' car, or that occupied 
by the Guard of Honor, were transferred from Jersey 
City to New York on a tug boat. Those two, with 
seven others furnished by the Hudson River railroad, 
made up the train to convey the funeral party from 
New York to Albany. All things being in readiness, 
the train left the Thirtieth street depot at 4:15 p. m., 
April 25, leaving an immense multitude of spectators, 
the men with uncovered heads. They then dispersed, 
to treasure up the memories of that day to the end of 
their lives. 

At all the stations were demonstrations of sorrow and 
respect. Fort Washington, Mount St. Vincent, Yonk- 
ers, Hastings, Dobb's Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, 
Sing Sing, Montrose, Peekskill, and many other sta- 
tions, were all passed in quick succession. At many 
of them the train was greeted with minute guns and 
bands performing dirges. Funeral arches and inscrip- 
tions expressive of the sorrow of the people, were 
everywhere visible. At some of the stations groups of 
young ladies were standing on the platforms, represent- 
ing the States, dressed in white with mourning badges. 
Many of the mottoes seen before were repeated. Among 
the new ones, were such as, " He died for truth." 
'^ Bear him gently to his rest." 

Garrison's Landing, 6:20 p. m. This is opposite 
West Point, with which it is connected by a ferry. A 
company of Regular soldiers and all the West Point 
Cadets were drawn up in line. The officers of the 
Academy stood apart^ all with uncovered heads. The 



60 

Cadets all passed througli the funeral car and saluted 
the remains of their late Commander-in-Chief Mean- 
while, salutes were being fired from West Point, at the 
west side of the river. 

At Cold Spring, an arch was visible, with a young 
lady representing the Goddess of Liberty weeping. 
She was supported by two boys, one representing a 
sailor, the other a soldier. 

Fishkill, 6:55 p. m. The depot was artistically 
draped in mourning, with the motto, " In God Ave 
trust/^ Kewburg is on the west side of the Hudson, 
opposite Fishkill. A flag draped in mourning was dis- 
played from the house where General Washington had 
his headquarters in revolutionary times. 

Poughkeepsie, 7:10 p. m. A bounteous supper Avas 
Avaiting here for the entire escort. A committee of 
se\'en ladies placed a Avreath of roses on the coffin of 
the martyred President. A band, composed of students 
from Eastman's business college, accompanied the 
funeral train from Ncav York. Professor Eastman, 
Avith the remainder of his twelve hundred pupils, 
helped to make up the twenty-fiA^e thousand assembled 
here. After a stay of nearly one hour, the train moA^ed 
on, and from this time it Avas lighted by bonfires and 
torches, at the different stations. Passing Hyde Park 
and Straasburgh, the train reaches Phinebeck at 8:35, 
but no stoppage. A torchlight procession enabled the 
assembled croAvds of people to vicAV the imposing 
funeral cortege as it flitted by. BarrytoAvn, Tivoli, 
GerniantoAvn and Catskill present a scene of mourning, 
drapery, bonfires and torchlights ; reaching Hudson at 
9:45 p. m. Thousands of people Avere assembled, min- 
ute guns fired, buildings illuminated and draped in 
mourning. Stockport, StuyA-esant and Castleton Avere 
passed, at all of Avhich Avere bonfires or torchlights. 

ArriA^ed at East Albany 10:55 p. m., to find the depot 
draped in mourning, bells tolling, cannon firing, sol- 
diers marching, and three companies of firemen bear- 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXUMENT. 61 

ing torches to light the funeral party across the river 
to Albany. The remains were taken from the car and 
placed in a hearse. The entire party passed over on 
the ferryboat, and were escorted by a midnight torch- 
light procession to the State Capitol. 

The coffin was deposited in the Assembly Chamber 
on a catafalque prepared for the occasion. Over the 
Speaker's desk appeared the following inscription : 
'^ I have sworn a solemn oath to preserve, protect and 
defend the Government." 

At half past one o'clock on the morning of April 
26, all being in readiness, the coffin was opened and 
the people admitted to view the remains. They passed 
by at the rate of sixty or seventy per minute from the 
commencement, and the number increased as daylight 
approached. When the morning dawned it revealed 
the fact that the whole city was draped in mourning, 
with mottoes and inscriptions tastefully displayed at 
appropriate points. Some of the most touching were 
quotations from Mr. Lincoln's own words, such as, 

" The heart of the nation throbs heavily at the portals of the 

tomb." 
" Let us resolve that the martyred dead shall not have died in 

vain." 

The numbers increased, until the line of those 
awaiting admission w^as more than a mile in length, 
one half of them being ladies, all pressing towards 
the portals of the stately edifice. The cars and steam- 
boats arriving that morning brought additional thou- 
sands to the city, many of them coming from one to 
two hundred miles. From the time of its arrival, 
the coffin was strewn with tiowers of the most rare 
and costly varieties. As fast as they exhibited signs 
of fading, they were removed, and fresh ones put in 
their places. Solemn dirges Avere performed at in- 
tervals by the musical societies and bands. The 
stream of people continued to pour through the edifice, 



G2 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

to take a last look at the distinguisliecl dead, and yet, 
when the hour arrived for replacing the cover, tliou- 
sands were still in line pressing their way toward the 
State House. Governor Fenton met the funeral party 
at New York, and returned with it to Albany, but 
could go no further from the fact that the Legislature 
Avas about to adjourn, and the business before it re- 
quired his presence. 

While the people were tiling through the Capitol of 
the most populous State of the Union, at the rate of 
more than four thousand an hour, to do homage to the 
remains of our martyred President, a far different scene 
was being enacted, in which his assassin was the cen- 
tral figure. On ^londay evening, the twenty-fourth 
of April, a detachment of the 16th regiment of New 
York cavalry, nuuibering twenty-five men, under the 
direction of Col. L. C. Baker, of the Government 
detective force, left AVashington to visit the south- 
ern part of ^laryland, in search of John Wilkes 
Booth. They learned from a colored man that he had 
crossed the Potomac river into Virginia, and soon 
ascertained that he and his accomplice, Harold, were 
Avell armed, and secreted in a barn, between Port Royal 
and Bowling Green, the county seat of Caroline county. 
Lieutenant Dougherty arranged his forces, surrounded 
the barn about dusk on Tuesday evening, and called 
upon them to surrender. Several hours were spent in 
efforts to capture them, but Booth steadily expressed 
his determination not to be taken alive. Despairing 
of success in any other way, fire was applied to some 
straw in the barn, hoping to drive them out and then 
capture them. Seeing no hope of escape, Harold sur- 
rendered, but Booth drew up his gun, and was in the 
act of taking aim at one of the party outside. At this 
juncture. Lieutenant Dougherty ordered Sergeant Bos- 
ton Corbett to fire. The shot took effect in Booth's 
head, but little differing from the wound he inflicted 
on President Lincoln. He was shot about four o'clock 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 63 

Tuesday morning, April 26, and died about seven 
o'clock, after three hours of the most intense agony. 

From the time the funeral party started, they had 
been astonished to witness the immense throngs of peo- 
ple who, night and day, through sunshine and storm, 
met them at every point to see the great funeral cor- 
tege and view the remains. They feared the people of 
Springfield would be overwhelmed with numbers be- 
fore they realized the intensity of feeling on the part 
of the people. At Albany the Illinois Delegation held 
a consultation and decided that it was best for one of 
their number to go at once to Springfield and impress 
upon the citizens the importance of exerting themselves 
to the utmost in making suitable preparations for the 
final ceremonies. Col. John Williams volunteered to 
discharge that dutv, and started immediatelv for Spring- 
field. 

After the remains of the President were taken from 
the train at East Albany, the hearse car and that occu- 
pied by the Guard of Honor, were run up the river 
five miles, to Troy, where they were taken across the 
Hudson on the railroad bridge, and run down the west 
side to the depot of the Central Eailroad, at Albany. 
At two o'clock p. m. the coffin was closed and conveyed 
to a magnificent hearse, drawn by eight white horses. 
It was escorted by a vast procession, composed of all 
the military at Albany and Troy, the fire department, 
the State and city authorities, about thirty civic asso- 
ciations and the citizens generally, to the Xew York 
Central depot, where it Avas again placed on board the 
hearse car. 

Xever before were such multitudes of people gath- 
ered at the Capital of the State. Every one seemed 
fully to realize the solemnity of the occasion. It was 
estimated that at least fifty thousand men, women and 
children visited the remains during the twelve and a 
half hours they were exposed to view. The Central 



64 



THE GREAT FUNEEAL COETEGE 



railroad furnished seven of its finest cars, making the 
same number the train had been composed of before, 
and at 4 o'clock p. m., April 26, the great funeral cor- 
tege resumed its journey westward through the empire 
State. 



I 



AND THE JS^ATIOK^AL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 65 



CHAPTER YIII 



The train arrived at Schenectady at forty-five minutes 
past four o'clock, to find a multitude of people assem- 
bled. The depot, business and dwelling houses were 
draped in mourning. The women were much affected, 
many of them crying audibly, and tears coursed down 
many manly cheeks. The mechanics of the railroad 
shops all stood in line, with heads uncovered, and the 
utmost silence prevailed. 

Amsterdam, 5:25 p. m. A crowd of people were at 
the depot. They were evidently from the country, as 
it was but a small village, and the line was almost a 
mile long. The train passed through an arch, deco- 
rated with red, white and blue, and draped in mourn- 
ing. The village bells tolled from the time the train 
came within hearing until it passed. 

Funda, 5:45 p. m. Depot, houses, and an arch across 
the railroad, all decorated with flags and draped in 
mourning. Minute guns w^ere fired as the train arrived, 
and continued until it passed out of hearing. 

Palatine Bridge, 6:25 p. m. In passing along the 
valley of the Mohawk river, the railroad runs under 
the Palatine Bridge, which was artistically decorated 
with flags, intertwined with mourning emblems. On 
approaching the village of the same name, a white cross 
was erected on a grassy mound. The cross was robed 
in evergreens and mourning. On each side was a 
woman, apparently weeping. Inscribed on the cross 
were the words, " We have prayed for you ; now we 
can only weep." The village buildings were draped 

5 



66 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

in mourning, minute guns fired, and a band was play- 
ing most solemn music. 

Fort Plain, 6:32 p. m. The depot was draped in 
mourning, and a large gathering of people looked 
mournfully at the train as it swept by. 

St. Johnsville, N. Y., 6:47 p. m., April 26. The 
funeral escort were the guests of all the cities where 
they stopped for public demonstrations of respect to be 
paid to the remains. At Harrisburg they were quar- 
terted at the Jones House ; in Philadelphia, at the Con- 
tinental Hotel; in New York at the Metropolitan 
Hotel, and in Albany, at the Delavan House. The 
first place where the services of Captain Penrose, the 
commissary of subsistence, were brought into requisi- 
tion, was on the run from New York to Albany,when 
it was necessary to have supper prepared at Pough- 
keepsie. Between Albany and Buifalo,the distance being 
too great to pass over without refreshments. Commissary 
Penrose made arrangements to have them supplied at 
St. Johnsville, and when the train arrived, a bounteous 
supper was in waiting. The depot was elaborately 
draped in mourning. Twenty-four young ladies, from 
the most wealthy and refined families of the village 
and surrounding country, dressed in white with black 
velvet badges, waited on the tables. After supper, 
these young ladies assembled, entered the hearse car, 
and placed a wreath of flowers on the coffin, and then 
the train moved on in its westward course. 

It was now quite dark, and the remaining distance 
to Buffalo occupied the whole time until daylight. 

Those on board the train remember this as hav- 
ing been the most remarkable portion of the whole 
route for its continuous and hearty demonstrations of 
respect — if any part could be so designated, where 
all were without precedent. Bonfires and torchlights 
illumined the road the entire distance. Minute guns 
were fired at so many points that it seemed almost 
continuous. Singing soceities and bands of music 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 67 

were so numerous that, after passing a station, tlie 
sound of a dirge or requiem would scarcely die away 
in the distance, until it would be caught up at the town 
or village they were approaching. Thus through the 
long hours of the night did the funeral cortege receive 
such honors that it seemed more like the march of a 
mighty conqueror, than respect to the remains of one 
of the most humble of the sons of earth. 

We will notice in detail some of the towns and vil- 
lages on the line. 

Little Falls, N. Y., 7:35 p. m. The train paused 
here long enough for a wreath of flowers in the form 
of a shield and cross, to be placed on the coffin. It 
bore the following inscription. 

" The ladies of Little Falls, throngli their committee, present 
these flowers. The shield, as an emblem of the protection which 
our beloved President has ever proved to the liberties of the 
American people. The cross, of his ever faithful trust in God ; 
and the wreath as a token that we mingle our tears with those of 
our afflicted nation." 

Herkimer, 7:50 p. m. Thirty-six young ladies, 
dressed in white, with black sashes, and holding flags 
representing the thirty-six States of the Union, were 
on the platform, surrounded by a vast multitude. A 
band was playing solemn music, and wreaths of flowers 
were thrown on board the train as it moved slowly past. 

Ilion, N. Y., 7:56. Remington's gun factory was 
brilliantly illuminated. A torchlight procession and 
boy zouaves were in line. 

Utica, 8:25 p. m., April 26. The depot and other 
buildings draped in mourning. Many banners were 
displayed in mourning and bearing inscriptions. Min- 
ute guns were firing and bands playing solemn dirges. 
A multitude of people were assembled and a gorgeous 
torchlight procession was in line. 

As the train swept by AVhitesboro and Oriskany, the 
people were gathered in crowds around large bonfires, 
and were waving flags trimmed with mourning. 



6S THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTKGE, 

Eome, April 26, 9:10 p. m. It was raining heavily 
when the train arrived at this place, but there was an 
immense crowd assembled at the depot, which was 
richly draped in mourning. A band of music on the 
platform was playing a dead march. 

Green's Corners and Verona were next passed, at 
both of which large numbers of people were standing 
around bonfires. 

Oneida, 9:50 p. m. An arch draped in mourning, 
bore the inscription : '' We mourn w^ith the nation." 
The depot Avas decorated with flags all draped in mourn- 
ing. A croAvd of people were at the depot, the men 
with heads uncovered. A company of firemen bearing 
lighted torches were in line. 

At Canastota, Canaserga, Chittenango, Kirkville and 
Manlius, the people stood around bonfires and carried 
lighted torches to see the funeral cortege on its west- 
ward course. 

Syracuse, April 26, 11:05 p. m. The depot and ad- 
joining buildings were almost covered with the in- 
signia of sorrow. Many dwellings were illuminated 
and mourning drapery suspended around the Avindows. 
Tears coursed down the cheeks of both men and 
women. Minute guns were firing and bands playing 
solemn dirges. The scene was grand and imposing. 

Memphis, N. Y., midnight. At this place, and 
Warners, just passed, people stood in groups, Avith un- 
covered heads and lighted torches, to see the funeral 
cortege glide past. 

At Weedsport, Jordan, Port Byron, Savannah, Clyde, 
Lyons and Newark, the depots were draped In mourn- 
ing, bonfires and torchlights revealed groups of men 
and AA^omen Avith bare heads standing for hours in the 
middle of the night to catch a passing vIcav of the great 
funeral. 

Palmyra, N. Y.. April 27, 2:15 a. m. The depot is 
nicely decorated, and men, women and children flock 
about the hearse car. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 69 

Merideii was next passed, and a bonfire threw a 
glare of light on the whole surrounding scene. 

Fairport, 2:50 a. m. • The people with lighted torches, 
banners, badges and mourning inscriptions were assem- 
bled in large numbers, to view the funeral train. 

Rochester, N. Y., 3:20 a. m, Thursday, April 27. 
Here there were assembled an immense multitude, 
numbering many thousands. The Mayor, City Coun- 
cil, military and civic organizations were out in full 

... 
force. The depot was draped in mourning, and in- 
scriptions and mottoes were displayed, expressive of the 
sorrow of the people. From the time the funeral cor- 
tege arrived until it passed out of hearing distance, 
minute guns were fired, bells tolled and bands per- 
formed measured and mournful music. 

The towns, Coldwater, Chili, Churchville, Bergen, 
West Bergen and Byron were passed. At all of these 
the people were gathered in groups around bonfires, and 
some were carrying lighted torches, all eager to obtain 
a view of the funeral cortege of Abraham Lincoln. 

Batavia, N. Y., 5:18 a. m., April 27. A large num- 
ber of citizens were assembled at the depot, which was 
richly draped in mourning. A choir of male and 
female voices were singing a requiem. Minute guns 
were firing and bells tolling from the time the cortege 
arrived until it passed out of hearing. 

At Crofts, Corfu, Alden, AVende and Lancaster, the 
depots were draped, flags displayed and the people stood 
in groups with uncovered heads, as the funeral cortege 
glided by. Soon after daylight, in passing a farm 
house, a group of children were seen in a wagon wav- 
ing flags trimmed with mourning, towards the train. 

Buffalo, X. Y., 7 a. m., Thursday, April 27. The 
following editorial appeared in the Buffalo Daily Ex- 
press, a few days after the assassination : 

" How reverently Abraham Lincoln was loved by the common 
people ; how much they had leaned upon the strength of his heroic 



70 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

character, in the great trial through which he led them; how per- 
fect a trust thej^ reposed in his wisdom, his integrity, his patriot- 
ism, and the fortitude of his faithful heart ; liow great a sphere he 
filled in the constitution of their hopes, they did not know before. 
The shock of consternation, grief, and horror, which revealed it 
to them, was undoubtedl}'- the most profound that ever fell upon 
a people. It shook this nation like an earthquake. The strong 
men of the nation wept together like children. Never, do we 
believe, was there exhibited such a spectacle of manly tears, 
wrung from stout hearts, by bitter anguish, as in the streets of 
ever}' city, town and hamlet, in these United States, on Saturday 
last. Ah! there was a deep planting of love for Abraham Lin- 
coln in the hearts of liis countrymen! Noble soul, honest heart, 
wise statesman, upright magistrate, brave old patriot, the nation 
was orphaned by thy death and felt the grief of orphanage 

It would be natural to expect that where such noble 
and sympathetic sentiments were expressed, the remains 
of Abraham Lincoln would receive a tender greeting. 
An extensive military and civic funeral procession 
turned out on the nineteenth, the day the obsequies 
took place at Washington. For this reason there were 
no preparations for any such demonstration on the arri- 
val of the funeral cortege, but it was met at the depot 
by a large concourse of people. An impromptu pro- 
cession was formed by citizens, headed by the military. 
The coffin was taken to a fine hearse, which was cov- 
ered with black cloth, and surrounded by an arched 
canopy tastefully trimmed with white satin and silver 
lace. The coffin was elevated so as to be seen at a long 
distance. The procession moved along the principal 
streets to the sound of solemn music, and reached St. 
James Hall about half past nine o'clock. The body 
was conveyed into the Hall and deposited on a dais, in 
the presence of the accompanying Guard of Honor and 
the Union Continentals. As the remains were carried 
in, the Buffalo St. Cecelia Society sang, with much feel- 
ing, the dirge, " Rest, Spirit, Rest; " after which, the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT 71 

Society placed an elegantly formed harp, made of choice 
white flowers, at the head of the coffin, which was over- 
shadowed by a crape canopy, and the space lighted up 
by a large chandelier in the ceiling. Ex-President 
Fillmore was among the ciyilians composing the escort 
to St. James Hall. Large numbers of Canadians came 
over to Buffalo during the day, to manifest their sym- 
pathy by taking part in the procession and viewing the 
remains. The funeral party being the guests of the 
city, were quartered at the Mansion House. All kinds 
of business was suspended, and it was estimated that 
between forty and lifty thousand persons took a parting 
look at the remains. At eight o'clock in the afternoon 
the coffin was closed ; about nine it was taken back to 
the depot, and at ten p. m. the train resumed its jour- 
ney. 



72 



CHAPTER IX. 



At New Hamburg, North Evans, Lake view, Angola 
and Silver Creek, the depots were draped in mourning, 
large bonfires were burning, and the people were assem- 
bled in great numbers to see the funeral cortege of the 
martyred President. 

Dunkirk, N. Y., 12:10 a. m., Friday, April 28. The 
depot was elaborately and artistically decorated with 
mourning drapery and festoons of evergreens. An 
immense throng of people were assembled, who stood 
with heads uncovered as the train moved up. The 
principal feature of the scene was a group of thirty- 
six young ladies, representing the States of the Union, 
dressed in white, with black scarfs on their shoulders. 
All were kneeling, and each held in her hands a na- 
tional flag. It was a beautiful tableau, as seen at the 
midnight hour by the glare of more than a hundred 
lamps and torches. When the train stopped, the young 
ladies entered the funeral car and placed a wreath of 
flowers and evergreens on the coffin. The firing of 
minute guns, the tolling of bells, and the band per- 
forming a requiem, combined with the other parts to 
present a spectacle such as had never before been wit- 
nessed on the shores of Lake Erie. 

At Brockton there was a crowd standing with heads 
uncovered and in silence as the train passed by. 

Westfield, N. Y., one o'clock a. m., April 28. The 
train stopped for wood and water, and a delegation of 
five ladies placed a cross and wreath of roses on the 
coffin. It bore the inscription : 

" Our's, the Cross: Thine, the Crown." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 73 

All of them were affected to tears, and considered it 
a privilege to kiss the coffin. 

Eiple)^, N. Y. Flags were draped in mourning, bon- 
fires blazing, and the people stood in groops w^ith heads 
uncovered. 

State Line, between New York and Pennsylvania, 
1:32 a. m., April 28. A bonfire was blazing, flags were 
draped, and a large number of people were assembled 
to look at the funeral cortege of Abraham Lincoln. 

North East, Pa., 1:47 a. m. A little girl came on 
board with a cross and wreath of roses and other flow- 
ers, and placed it on the coffin. The cross bore the 
inscription: ^^ Rest in Peace. ^^ Major General Dix 
took leave of the remains at this place and returned 
to New York. F. F. Faran, Mayor of Erie, and 
others, came on board. 

Erie, Pa., 2:50 a. m., April 28. The citizens of 
Erie were making arrangements to give suitable recep- 
tion to the honored remains, when they were informed 
by the Superintendent of the Cleveland & Erie rail- 
road that the funeral escort had made a special request 
that no public demonstration be made at that place, in 
order to give them an opportunity for repose. The 
request was unauthorized, but it deprived them of a 
mournful pleasure. Notwithstanding this, a large num- 
ber of people were assembled at the depot, where a 
transparency was displayed, with the inscription : 

" Abraham Lincoln may die, but the principles embalmed in his 
blood will live forever." 

Girard, Pa. A large number of people w^ere collect- 
ed at the depot, which w^as draped with mourning and 
illuminated with bonfires. 

Springfield, Pa., 2:27 a. m., April 28. A large crowd 
of people, w^ith lighted torches and drooping flags were 
assembled at the depot to see the funeral cortege pass 

by. 



74 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

Conneaut, Ohio, 3:48 a. m., April 28. This is the 
first station in Ohio. The depot was draped in mourn- 
ing and a large number of persons on the platform with 
heads uncovered. 

Kingsville, Ohio. Depot was draped and a crowd 
of people. 

Ashtabula, Ohio, 4:27 a. m. Minute guns heralded 
the approach of the funeral train. The depot was 
draped in mourning and flags floating to the breeze. 
Mottoes and inscriptions w^ere displayed expressing the 
sorrow of the people for the cruel assassination of 
Abraham Lincoln. 

Geneva, Madison, Perry, Painesville and Mentor 
were passed as the day dawned, but the depots were all 
draped in mourning, flags floating, mottoes displayed 
and large crowds of people, all eager to see the hearse 
car bearing all that was mortal of Abraham Lincoln, 
to his rest. 

Willoughby, Ohio, April 28, 6:08 a. m. Notwith- 
standing the early morning hour, a number of very 
ao'cd men were seen leanino; on their staffs with their 
snow-white locks uncovered. Hundreds of watchers 
looked longingly at the sable cortege gliding by. 

Wicklifl'e, Ohio, 6:20 a. m. Governor John Brough,. 
on the part of Ohio, received the funeral party. He 
was accompanied by his staff, consisting of Adj. Gen. 
B. R. Cowan, Asst. Adj. Gen. John T. Mercer, Quar. 
Mast. Gen. Merrill Barlow, Sergeon Gen. R. N. Barr, 
Col. S. D. Maxwell, Aid-de-Camp, and F. A. Marble, 
Private Secretary. Ex-Governor Tod, Senator Sher- 
man, Hon. Sam. Galloway, and others, accompanied 
the party. 

Major General Joseph Hooker, commanding the 
department of Ohio, with his stafP, came on board the 
train at Wickliffe, and, under General Orders No. 72, 
took chief command of the funeral escort. A delega- 
tion of about twenty -five citizens of Cleveland met the 
train at this point and formed part of the escort. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 75 

Euclid, 6:32 a. m. More of the citizens of Cleve- 
land came on board the train at this point. 

Cleveland, Ohio, 7 o'clock a. m., Friday, April 28. 
The attention of those on the train, was first attracted 
by a magnificent arch, bearing, in large letters, the in- 
scription : 

"ABRAHAM LINCOLK" 

Immediately under the arch was a female, dressed to 
represent the Goddess of Liberty. She held in her 
hand a flag, and this, together with her cap, was braid- 
ed in mourning. An immense multitude thronged the 
streets. At seven o'clock, as the train arrived, a na- 
tional salute of thirty-six guns was fired, and half-hour 
guns from that time until sunset. As the funeral cor- 
tege approached, the bells throughout the city com- 
menced tolling, the shipping in the harbor and all the 
hotels and other public buildings displayed the Ameri- 
can flag at half-mast, and all business houses w^ere 
closed, and remained so throughout the day. At half 
past seven an immense procession consisting of mili- 
tary and civic associations, was formed at the Euclid 
street station. It was composed of six divisions, each 
headed by a band. As soon as the train arrived at 
the station the coffin w^as placed in a magnificent hearse, 
draped with the American flag trimmed with mourn- 

The procession moved through Euclid street to Erie 
street, down Erie to Superior street, thence to a public 
park, wdiere a beautiful temple had been e^cted. This 
temple w^as twenty-four by thirty -six feet, and fourteen 
feet high, to the cornice. The roof was in pagoda 
style. Within this temple was a gorgeous catafalque. 
The coffin was laid on a dais, about two feet above the 
floor of the catafalque. The columns were wreathed 
with evergreens and white flowers, and trimmed with 
mourning. Black cloth fringed with silver, drooped 



76 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

from the corners and the centre of the canopy, and looped 
back to the columns. The floor and sides of the dais 
were covered with black cloth, bordered with silver 
fringe. The cornice was brilliantly ornamented with 
white rosettes and stars of silver. The inside of the 
canopy was lined with black cloth, gathered in folds, 
and black and white crape. In the centre of the can- 
opy Avas a large star of black velvet, ornamented with 
thirty-six silver stars, representing the States of the 
Union. The dais was covered with liowers and a fig- 
ure representing the Goddess of Liberty was placed ot 
the head of the coffin. The ceiling of the temple was 
hung with festoons of evergreens and flowers. Lamps 
were attached to the pillars of the catafalque, and the 
columns of the temple, that the remains might be 
viewed at night as well as by day. This temple seemed, 
in daylight, as if it was a creation of fairy land, and 
when lighted up with all the lanterns, and standing out 
amid the surrounding darkness, looked more like the 
realization of an enchanted castle than the work of 
men's hands. The cost of it must have been very 
great, and I have been thus minute in the description 
because there was nothing comparable to it at any other 
place on the whole journey. This large expenditure 
on the part of the citizens of Cleveland, to prepare a 
few hours resting place for the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln, on their way to the tomb, was only a faint 
symbol of the sacrifices they had already made, and 
were still willing to make in support of the principles 
for which he was assassinated. 

The- religfous services were conducted by the Right 
Kev. Bishop Mcllvaine, of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. He read a part of the funeral service of that 
Church, suitable to the occasion. After the religious 
services, two columns of spectators — one on each side — 
began filing past the corpse, and, notwithstanding it 
rained the greater part of the time, about eighty per- 
sons per minute viewed the remains of President Lin- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 77 

coin, throughout the day. At intervals the coffin was 
freshly covered with flowers by the ladies. It was es- 
timated that more than fifty thousand persons viewed 
the remains, and when the coffin closed, near midnight, 
there were still hundreds in line, disappointed in their 
effi)rts to look on the face of the dead. The funeral 
party being the guests of the city, were quartered at 
the AYeddell House. 

While the funeral party were in Cleveland they were 
waited upon by Charles L. Wilson, editor of the Chi- 
cago Journal, as chairman of the Committee of One 
Hundred citizens, appointed by the City Council of 
Chicago, ^^ to proceed to IMichigan City to receive the 
remains of President Lincoln, escort them to Chicago, 
and accompany them to Springfield." Mr. Wilson 
tendered the hospitalities of the city to the funeral es- 
cort when they should arrive in Chicago, and stated 
that, up to the time of his departure, forty -one organi- 
zations and societies, representing twenty-five thousand 
men, had reported to the Chief Marshal their intention 
to form part of the procession. 

The saloons of Cleveland were all closed during the 
stay of the funeral party in that city, by a proclamation 
from the Mayor ; and, in order to control the move- 
ments of the vast multitude, ali the streets leading to 
the Park were fenced up and gates placed in the centre. 
They were guarded by military, and the people admit- 
ted no faster than they could view the remains and pass 
out. In this way, all crowding about the temple was 
avoided. The procession began re-forming about ten 
o'clock p. m., and escorted the remains to tiie depot. 



CHAPTER X. 



At midnight, the funeral cortege left Cleveland, to 
continue its westward course. Rain continued to fall, 
but that did not abate the anxiety of the people. 

Among the towns worthy of special mention, on ac- 
count of their costly and elaborate demonstrations, were 
Berea, Olmstead, Columbia, Grafton, Lagrange, Wel- 
lington, Rochester, New London, Greenwich, Shiloh, 
Shelby and Crestline, the latter place being reached at 
seven minutes past four o'clock a. m. At all these 
places the depots were draped and the national flag 
shrouded in mourning. Mottoes and inscriptions ex- 
pressive of the sorrow of the people were everywhere 
visible. Through the rain and darkness they came, 
bearing lanterns and torches, that they might obtain a 
passing view of the great funeral pageant. Gallon, 
Iberia and Gilead, each presented the same appearance, 
and the train arrived at Cardington at 5:20 a. m., Sat- 
urday, April 29. The largest gathering seen after 
leaving Cleveland, were collected at this place, about 
three thousand people being present. The depot was 
handsomely draped with mourning flags. Over the 
doorway was an inscription, in large letters, 

"He sleeps in the blessings of the poor, whose fetters God com- 
niissioned him to break." 

The train arrived and departed to the sound of min- 
ute guns and the tolling of bells. Ashley, Eden, Dela- 
ware, Berlin, Lewis' Centre, Orange, Westerville and 
AYorthington, all presented the same appearance of 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN 3I0NTJMENT. / \) 

depots draped in mourning, with mottoes, inscriptions, 
and increasing crowds of people. The train arrived at 
Cohimbus, Ohio, at 7:30 a. m., Saturday, April 29. 
By way of preparing for appropriately honoring the re- 
mains of the late Chief Magistrate, the following order 
had been promulgated at the proper time :' 



Gen'l H'dq'hs, State of Ohio, 
General Order, No 5. \- Adjutant General's Office, 

Columbus, April 23, 1865. 
IMajor Joliii W. Skiles, Eiglity-eiglith 0. V. I., is hereby ap- 
pointed Chief Marslial of the ceremonies in honor of the remains 
of the late President Lincoln, in the city of Columbus, on the 
twenty-ninth inst. He will appoint his own aides, and will have 
entire control of the ceremonies and procession attending the 
transfer of the remains from and to the depot. All societies, dele- 
gations, or other organizations, wishing to participate in the cere- 
monies, will report, by telegraph or letter, to the Chief Marshal 
on or before ten o'clock a. m. of Friday, the twenty-eighth inst. 

The headquarters of the Chief Marshal, during Thursday and 
Friday, twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth inst., will be at the 
Adjutant General's office, in the Capitol. 
By order of the Governor : 

B. R. COWEN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Immediately on the arrival of the train, the funeral 
party were taken in carriages, the carriages moving 
three abreast, and the coffin Avas conveyed to a mag- 
nificent hearse. It was seventeen feet long, eight and 
a half feet wide, and seventeen and a half feet from 
the ground to the top of the canopy. The floor of the 
hearse was four feet from the ground. A dais was 
raised two and a half feet above the floor, making six 
and a half feet above the ground. On this i\\Q coffin 
rested, where it was sufficiently elevated for all to see 
it. The canopy was formed liko a Chinese pagoda. 
The interior of the canopy was lined with silk flags, 



80 

and the outside covered with black broadcloth. The 
dais, main floor,and the entire hearse was covered with 
black cloth, wliich hung in festoons from the main plat- 
form to within a few inches of the ground. The broad- 
cloth was fringed with silver lace and ornamented with 
heavy tassels of black silk. Surrounding the cornice 
were thirty-six silver stars, and on the apex and the 
four corners were heavy black plumes. The canopy 
was curtained with black cloth and lined with white 
merino. On each side of the dais was the name 
"Lincoln/' in silver letters. The hearse was drawn 
by six white horses, all covered with black cloth, edged 
with silver fringe. The heads of the horses were sur- 
mounted with large black plumes, and each was led 
by a groom, dressed in black, with white gloves and 
a white band around his hat. 

The flowers of Buffalo and Cleveland were still on 
the lid of the coffin. The procession was by far the 
most grand and imposing of any that had ever marched 
through the streets of the capital of Ohio. It was 
composed of soldiers, citizens and civic societies, not 
of Columbus only, but of Cincinnati and other cities 
and towns for many miles around. At the Soldiers' 
Hospital, the invalids had adorned the palings in front 
of the building with national flags, trimmed with 
mourning, and displayed other evidences of sorrow. 

These invalids, made so in the service of their 
country, gathered flowers and branches, principally 
lilac, and for several hundred yards, had strewn them 
on each side of the street, where the procession was to 
jmss. Many of the soldiers appeared on crutches. 

Amid the tolling of bells and the booming of cannon, 
the solemn cortege wended its way to the State Capi- 
tol. The pillars of that beautiful white edifice were 
artisticially draped in mourning, and flags were at half- 
mast on each side of the dome. Displayed conspicu- 
ously, in large black letters, were the following wt)rds : 
" With malice toward none, with charity for all.'' 



A^TD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXUMEXT. 81 

Arched over the gate leading to the grounds, were the 
words, ^' Ohio Mourns/' and over the entrance to the 
buildino^, " God moves in a mvsterious wav." The 
interior of the capitol was draped in the most elabo- 
rate and costly style. 

The coffin was conveyed into the rotunda, where it 
was deposited on a mound of moss, thickly dotted 
with the choicest of flowers, and surrounded by ele- 
gant vases of rare exotics. The walls were adorned 
with Powell's great painting of Perry's victory on 
Lake Erie : with clusters of battle flags, torn and rid- 
dled with bullets, as they were borne by Ohio regi- 
ments in suppressing the rebellion. These were fes- 
tooned with crape, and drooped sadly around the 
spacious rotunda. As soon as the coffin was properly 
arranged, the spectators began to pass before the re- 
mains. 

Solemn dirges were performed at intervals, and guns 
were fired during the day. In the afternoon, a meet- 
ing was held at the east side of the capitol. On the 
stage were Major Generals Hooker and Hunter, with 
the clergy of the city. Rev. Mr. Goodwin opened the 
services with prayer. The Hon. Job E. Stevenson 
then addressed the vast assemblage, in a most eloquent 
and thrilling oration. He was listened to with the 
most profound attention from beginning to end. I 
can only give a very brief synopsis. He said : 

" Ohio mourns, America mourns, the civilized world will mourn 
the cruel death of Abraham Lincoln, the brave, the wise, the 
good ; bravest, wisest, best of men. History alone can measure 
and weigh his worth, but we, in parting from his mortal remains, 
may indulge the fullness of our hearts, in a few broken words, 
of his life, his death and his fome. 

"A western farmer's sou, self-made, in early manhood he won 
by sterling qualities of head and heart, the public confidence, and 
was entrusted with the people's power. Growing with his State, 
he became a leader in the west. Elected President, he disbelieved 



82 THE GEE AT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

the threats of traitors, and sought to serve his term ia peace. The 
clonds of civil war darkened the land. The President pleaded 
and prayed for peace, 'long declined the war,' and only when the 
storm in fury burst upon the flag, did he arm for the Union. For 
four years the war raged, and the President was tried as man was 
never tried before. Oh, ' witli wliat a load of toil and care,' has 
]ie come, with steady, steadfast step, through the valle}^ and the 
shadow of defeat, over the bright mountain of victory, up to the 
sun-lit plain of peace! 

"Tried by dire disaster at Bull Run, where volunteer patriots 
met veteran traitors ; at Fredericksburg, where courage contended 
with nature ; at Chancellorville, that desperate venture ; in the 
dismal swamps of the Chickahominy, where a brave army was 
buried in vain; by the chronic siege of Charleston, the mockery 
of Richmond, and the dangers of Washington — through all these 
trials the President stood firm, trusting in God and the people, 
while the people trusted in God and in him. There were never 
braver men than the Union volunteers; none braver ever rallied 
in Grecian phalanx or Roman legion ; none braver ever bent the 
Saxon bow, or bore barbarian battle axe, or set the lance in rest ; 
none braver over followed the crescent or the cross, or fought 
with Napoleon, or Wellington, or Washington. Yet the com- 
mander-in-chief of the Union army and navy was worthy of the 
man — filling for four years the foremost and most perilous part 
unfaltering. 

" Tried by good fortune, he saw soldiers of the West recover 
the great valley, and bring back to the Union the Father of 
Waters, and all his beautiful children. He saw the legions of 
Lee hurled from the heights of Gettysburg. He saw the flag of 
the free rise on Lookout Mountain, and spread from river to sea, 
and rest over Sumter. He saw the Star Spangled Banner, bright- 
ened by the blaze of battle, bloom over Richmond, and he saw 
Lee surrender. Yet he remained wise and modest, giving all the 
glory to God and our army and navy. 

*' Tried by civil afi'airs which would have taxed the powers and 
tested the virtues of Jeff'erson, Hamilton and Washington, he ad- 
ministered them so wisely and well, that after three years no man 
was found to take his place. He was re-elected, and the harvest 



AXD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 83 

of success came in so gradually, that he miglit have said, ' Xow, 
Lord, lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes 
have seen Thy salvation.' Yet he was free from weakness or 
vanity. Thus did he exhibit, on occasion, in due proportion and 
harmonious action, those cardinal virtues, the trinity of true great- 
ness — courage, wisdom and goodness ; goodness to love the right, 
wisdom to know the right, and courage to do the right. Tried 
by these tests, and by the touchstone of success, he was the great- 
est of living men. 

" But why multiply words of his greatness ? We read it in the 
nation's eyes. What a scene do we witness! Some of us remem- 
ber when, on the thirteenth of February, 1861, four years and two 
mouths before his death, the President was here on his way to 
Washington, and spoke in the State House. Then, this self-made 
man was untried, and his friends, and he himself, questioned his 
capacity to fill the responsible position to whicli he was chosen. 
He spoke with misgivings, but placing his reliance on Providence, 
wxmt forward reluctantly to the chair; and now, after four short 
years, he returns, borne on the bosom of millions of men, his way 
watered with tears and strewn with flowers. 

" He stood on the summit, his brow bathed in the beams of the 
rising sun of peace, singing in his heart the angelic song of 'Glory 
to God in the highest, peace on earth and good will townrd men.' 
'With malice toward none, with charity for all,' he had forgiven 
the people of the South, and might have forgotten their leaders — 
covering with the broad mantle of his charity their multitude of 
sins. But he is slain — slain by slavery. That fiend incarnate did 
the deed. Beaten in battle, the leaders sought to save slavery by 
assassination. This madness presaged their destruction. 

"Abraham Lincoln was tlie personification of Mercy. Andrew 
Johnson is the personification of Justice. They have murdered 
Mercy, and Justice rules alone, and the people, with one voice, 
pray to heaven that justice may be done. The blood of thousands 
of murdered prisoners cries to heaven. The shades of sixty-two 
tliousand starved soldiers rise up in judgment against them. The 
body of the murdered President coudems them. Some deprecate 
vengeance. There is no room for vengeance here. Long before jus- 
tice can have done her perfect work, the material will be exhausted and 



84 

the record closed. Some 'wonder "wliy the South killed her best 
friend. Abraham Lincoln was the true friend of the people of the 
South ; for he was their friend as Jesus is the friend of sinners, 
ready to save when they repent. Ours is the grief, theirs is the 
loss, and his is the gain. He died for Liberty and Union, and 
now he wears the martyr's glorious crown. He is our crowned 
President. While the Union survives, while the love of libertj^ 
warms the human heart, Abraham Lincoln will hold high rank 
among the immortal dead. Th-e imperial free Republic, the best 
and strongest government on earth, will be a monument to his 
glory, while over and above all shall rise and swell the great dome 
of his fame." 

The procession of the morning was re-formed, and 
escorted the remains to the depot, and at eight o'clock 
p. m. the funeral train resumed its course, amid the 
firing of guns and the tolling of the bells of the city. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 85 



GHAPTEE XI 



At Pleasant Valley^ Unionville^ Milford^ AYood- 
stock and Cable, the depots were decorated and draped 
in mourning, and bonfires and torches enabled the 
large crowds assembled to see the funeral train. At 
Woodstock a delegation of ladies entered the hearse 
car and decorated the coffin with flowers, and at the 
same time the Woodstock band played a solemn piece 
of music. 

Urbana, Ohio, 10:30 p. m., Ajoril 29. Three thous- 
and people were assembled, and a large bonfire lighted 
up the scene. Ten young ladies entered the car and 
strewed flowers on the bier, some of them weeping. At 
the same time a choir of forty male and female voices 
sang, '^ Go to thy Rest." The train arrived and de- 
parted with minute guns firing and bells tolling. 

At St. Paris and Fletcher bonfires were blazing and 
the people were standing with heads uncovered and in 
silence as the train moved along. 

Piqua, Ohio, 12:20 a. m., Sunday, April 30. Many 
thousands of people were assembled at the depot, which 
was draped in mourning. The scene was lighted up 
with large fires. A delegation from the Methodist 
Church, with Rev. Granville Moody, sang a funeral 
hymn. Two bands also discoursed solemn music. 

Covington, Bradford Junction and Gettysburg were 
passed in quick succession, and, notwithstanding it was 
in the middle of the night, there was a large crowd at 
each place, with bonfires, flags and mottoes. 

Greenville, Ohio, two o'clock a. m., Sunday, April 
30. The depot was tastefully decorated, and the scene 



86 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

lighted up by two large bonfires. Tliirtv-six young- 
ladies, representing the States of the Union, were 
dressed in white, each waving a star-spangled banner. 
A requiem was sung by a choir of ladies aud gentle- 
men. A large number of people were standing at the 
dej^ot at Xew Madison. 

New Paris, 2:41, Sunday morning, April 30. The 
depot was artistically draped in mourning. An arch 
spanned the track. It was adorned with evergreens 
draped in mourning. The scene was lighted up by 
huge bonfires. This was the last town on that line of 
road in the State of Ohio. 

Richmond, Ind., 3:10 a. m., Sunday, April 30. This 
was the first town entered in the State of Indiana. The 
scene here was imposing and magnificently solemn. 
The city contains about twelve thousand inhabitants, 
but there were more than that number present. Ar- 
rangements were eifected the day before to have all the 
bells in the city rang an hour previous to the expected 
arrival of the funeral cortege. At the time appointed 
they pealed forth their notes on the still night air, and 
soon the streets were filled with men and women, old 
and young, all ^vending their way to the depot. Broad- 
brimmed hats and Quaker bonnets were liberally 
sprinkled among the vast concourse — as the Friends 
are more numerous here, in proportion to the whole 
population, tlian they are in the city of Philadelphia. 
Xearly the whole population of the city came out, and 
the people in the surrounding country left their homes 
in the middle of the night and came many miles in 
wagons, carriages, and on horseback, and it was esti- 
mated that between twelve and fifteen thousand were 
present. 

As the train approached the city the bells on the 
enjO'ines of the Airline railroad — a cross road — were 
tolling, and all the engines were lighted up with revolv- 
ing lamps and tastefully decorated in mourning. A 
gorgeous arch was constructed, twenty-five feet high 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 87 

and thirty wide, under which the train passed. On 
both sides of the structure American flags were wrought 
into triangles, down the sides of which were suspended, 
at equal distances, transparencies of red, white, and 
blue, alternating with chaplets of evergreens, which 
clambered up the sides of the triangles and centered at 
the summit in velvet rosettes. Across the structure, at 
about eighteen feet from the base was a platform car- 
peted with black velvet. On the ends of this platform 
were two flags in drooping folds. In the center of this 
upper work was a female representing the Goddess of 
Liberty. She was in a sitting posture, Aveeping over a 
coffin. On one side was a boy-soldier and on the other 
a boy-sailor, both acting as mourners. Governor Mor- 
ton and suite, with other prominent gentlemen from dif- 
ferent parts of the State, about one hundred in all, 
came on a special train from Indianapolis and joined 
the funeral party at Richmond. After a brief pause, 
the train moved slowly away, and the multitude, with 
sad hearts, dispersed to their homes in silence. 

Centerville, Ind., 3:41 a. m. The depot was splen- 
didly robed in mourning. At each end of the plat- 
form Ave re two chandeliers, brilliantly lighted. The 
people Avere anxious for the train to tarry longer, but 
of course their AA'ishes could not be complied Avith. 
CenterA'ille is the home of the Hon. George W. Julian, 
and AA^as the home of Hon. O. P. Morton, previous to 
his becoming Governor of the State. 

Germantown, Ind., 4:05 a. m. A number of bril- 
liant bonfires Avere burning, flags draped in mourning, 
and other evidences of sorroAV exhibited. 

Cambridge City, Ind., 4:15 a. m. As the funeral 
train reached this place, it Avas received Avith salvos of 
artillery. A A^ery tasty arch spanned the railroad track. 
It was beautifully decorated and appropriately draped 
in mourning. The darkness Avas turned into a solemn 
glare by the burning of Bengal lights, and as the red- 
dish blue met tlie first streaks of grey on the eastern 



88 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

horizon, the effect was solemn and impressive. It was 
the unanimous verdict of those who traveled all the 
journey with the train, that this, and the display at 
Richmond, was not exclled in taste and appropriateness 
by anything that had been witnessed. There was a 
solemn earnestness depicted on the countenance of the 
Indiana patriots, and the sentence seemed to be Avrit- 
ten as if in '' burnished rows of steel,^' that though 
Lincoln had died, the republic should live. 

Dublin, Ind., 4:30 a. m., Sunday, April 30. The 
platform and sides of the track were lined with peo- 
ple whose looks and actions bespoke their deep grief. 
A neat and beautiful arch, entwined with evergreens 
and mourning emblems, was erected for the train to 
pass under. The depot w^as artistically draped, and on 
the right was a large flag. In a conspicuous place there 
was a portrait of tlie martyred President entwined with 
evergreens and roses. Dublin is a town of about fif- 
teen hundred inhabitants, and was the last station 
passed in AVayne county, which has been largely under 
Quaker influence from its first settlements, and, although 
vou would see but little of the outward sio;n of that 
peculiar people, their ])rinciples are nowhere more de- 
cidedly felt than at this place. There has never been 
, a whisky-shop in the town, and it is a remarkable co- 
incidence that for many years the Republican ticket 
has been voted unanimously — not a single one on the 
other side. I well remember the amusement created 
at Richmond, in the same county, on the evening of 
the Presidential election, in 1864. As the reports came 
in by telegraph they were posted on an illuminated 
bulletin. Among the earliest was, 

Dublin, For Lincoln, 269 

For McClellan, 

Majority for Lincoln, 269 

At Lewisville, Rayville, Knightstown, Charlottes- 
ville, Greenfield, Philadelphia and Cumberland, mourn- 



AND THE XATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 89 

ing emblems and otlier demonstrations of sorrow were 
everywhere visible. 

Indianapolis, seven o'clock, a. m., Sunday, April 
30, 1865. The funeral cortege arrived at this hour 
with all that was mortal of Abraham Lincoln. The 
avenues leading to the depot were closely packed 
with people. The military organizations were in line 
from the depot to the State House. The corpse was 
taken in charge by a local guard of soldiers, and con- 
veyed to a very large and magnificent hearse, prepared 
especially for the occasion. It was drawn by eight 
white horses, six of them having been attached to the 
carriage in which the President elect rode, on his way 
to Washington, four years before. By the time the 
procession Avas ready to move, rain commenced falling. 
The arrival of the train was announced by the firing 
of artillery and tolling of bells throughout the city, 
and this continued until the hearse arrived at the State 
House. The body was conveyed to the interior of the 
building, and soon after exposed to \ie^v. 

The Sabbath school children were first admitted, and 
then ladies and citizens generally passed through the 
Capitol and viewed the remains. At many of the 
streets intended to be crossed by the procession were 
triple arches, adorned with evergreens and national 
flags. Great preparations had been made in draping 
the city in mourning. It included public buildings, 
business houses and private residences of all classes. 
The threatening rain deterred many from ornamenting 
their buildings who would otherwise have done so, and 
the torrents of water sadly marred what had been done. 

The rain prevented many of the organizations from 
turning out that had provided themselves with banners 
bearing appropriate inscriptions. The colored Masons, 
in their appropriate clothing, and colored citizens gen- 
erally turned out in procession and visited the remains 
in a body. At the head of their procession they car- 
ried the Emancipation Proclamation. At intervals 



90 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

banners were seen bearing, among others, the following 
inscriptions : 

" Colored men always Loyal." 



" Lincoln, Martyr of Liberty." 



■ He lives in onr memories.' 



"Slavery is Dead!" 



The City Councils of Cincinnati, Louisville and 
Covington, with Governor Bramlette and many other 
distinguished personages from Kentucky, and from 
nearly all the towns and cities of Indiana, were in In- 
dianapolis, to take part in a grand military and civic 
demonstration. It was expected that the procession 
would march early in the day, and that Governor Mor- 
ton would deliver a funeral oration at the Capitol in 
the afternoon. Every railroad train for the previous 
twenty-four hours brought in its thousands, but the 
incessant rain prevented the programme from being 
carried out. All that could be done was to pay their 
silent respects to the remains. A constant stream of 
spectators continued to file past the coffin until near 
midnight, Avhen it was escorted back to the de])ot, and, 
like the star of empire, continued its westward course. 

A time table was prepared, and rules and regulations 
adopted, at Indianapolis, for running the train from 
that city to Chicago. The paper was signed by an 
officer of each of the three roads over which the train 
was to pass — the Indianapolis & Lafayette, the Louis- 
ville, New Albany & Chicago, from Lafayette to Michi- 
gan City, and the Michigan Central from Michigan 
City to Chicago. As a sample of the way the train 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. . 91 

was run during the whole journey, I omit the time 
table, but insert here the 

RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

1. The figures in Table represent the time upon which the Pi 
lot Engine is to be run, and the funeral train will follow, leaving 
each station ten minutes behind the figures of this table. 

2. The funeral train will pass stations at a speed not exceeding 
jive miles an hour, the eugineman tolling his bell as the train passes 
through the station and town. 

3. Telegraph offices upon the entire route will be kept open 
during the passage of the funeral train, and as soon as the train 
has passed a station the operator will at once give notice to that ef- 
fect to the next telegraph station. 

4. The pilot engine will pass no telegraph station without first 
getting information of funeral train having paseed the last pre- 
ceding telegraph station, coming to a full stop for that informa- 
tion, if necessary. 

5. Upon the entire route a safety signal will be shown at each 
switch and bridge, and at entrance upon each curve, indicating 
that all is safe for the passage of pilot and train — each man in 
charge of a signal knowing personally such to be the case, so far 
as his foresight can provide for it. The signal from Indianapolis, 
until reaching broad daylight, to be a white light, and from that point 
to Chicago, a toJdte flag, draped. 

6. The eugiueman in charge of pilot engine will carry two red 
lights in the night, and an American flag, draped, during daylight, 
indicating that a train is following, and will also provide them- 
selves with red lights, flags and extra men, to give immediate 7iotice 
to the funeral train, in case of meeting with anything on the route 
causing delay or detention. 

7. The enginemen in charge of the funeral train will keep a 
sharp lookout for the pilot engine and its signals. 

8. The pilot and funeral train will have entire right to the line 
during its passage, and all engines and trains of every description 
will be kept out of the way. 

9. Each road forming the route will run its train upon its own 
standard time. 



92 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER XII 



Notwithstanding the train departed in the middle of 
the night from Indianapolis, formidable demonstra- 
tions were made at Augusta, Zionsville, Whitestown, 
Lebanon, Hazelrigg, Thorntown, Colfax, Stockwell 
and many other points. The depots were draped in 
mourning and other insignia of sorrow were visible, in 
the light of bonfires and torches ; but the people were 
assembled in large numbers at every point, to witness 
the great funeral train. 

Arrived at Lafayette at three o'clock and thirty-five 
minutes, Monday morning, May 1. It was known 
that the train would stop at this place but a few min- 
utes, but it appeared to those on board as if all the 
inhabitants of the city, and from many miles of the 
surrounding country, were there. The depot was draped 
in mourniug, and the surrounding scene Avell lighted. 
The bells of the city were tolled, and other manifesta- 
tions of sorrow were visible. 

From Lafayette, the stations of Tippecanoe Battle 
Ground, Brookston, Chalmers, Reynolds, Bradford, 
Francisville, Medaryville, Kankakee, LaCrosse, Wana- 
tah, AVestville, Lacroix and many other towns, the 
depots were draped, and the people in many ways 
demonstrated their sorrow for the loss of our Chief 
Magistrate. 

Michigan City, Indiana, eight o'clock a. m.. May 1. 
A bountiful breakfast w^as prepared for the entire fu- 
neral party, in the main station house. Thirty-six 
young ladies, representing the States of the Union, 
and one representing the Goddess of Liberty, appeared 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT, 93 

in appropriate costumes, and with a large number of 
other ladies, appropriated the time assigned to the fu- 
neral party for breakfast, in passing through the hearse 
car to look on the coffin containing the remains of the 
martyred President. 

The funeral train approached the depot under a 
large triple arch, which was surmounted by a tall flag- 
staff, bearing the national colors trimmed with mourn- 
ing, at half-mast. Portraits of the illustrious deceased 
were suspended from the centre of each arch, wreathed 
in evergreens, and surrounded by draped flags and 
other insignia of sorrow. Among the mottoes dis- 
played, were the following : 

"Xoblest martyr to Freedom; sacred tliy dust; hallowed thy 
resting place." 



** With tears we resign thee to God and History.' 



*' The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail." 



" Our guiding star has ftillen ; our nation mourns." 

Here the funeral escort were joined by the Hon. 
Schuyler Colfax and friends, and the citizen's com- 
mittee of one hundred, who -came out from Chicago on 
a special train. After all had partaken of breakfast, 
the train started for Chicago, at 8:35 a. m., over the 
Michigan Central Railroad. 

Arrived at Chicago at 11 o'clock a. m., Monday, 
May 1. The train did not run to the Union depot, 
but stopped a little more than one mile south, where a 
temporary platform had been prepared, opposite Park 
Place, a short street running from the lake shore one 
square west, to Michigan avenue. Park Place is one 
square north of Twelfth street, and is between that 
street and Lake Park. 



04 

Across the foot of Park Place a magnificent Funeral 
Arch had been erected. It was built of wood, in the 
Gothic style of architecture, and consisted of a central 
arch thirty feet high in the clear, and twenty-four feet 
wide, and two side arches, each eight feet wide in the 
clear, and twenty feet high. The three arches and 
tlieir abutments, or columns, made a total width offiftv- 
or.e feet. The total height of the central arch and 
turrets w^as about forty feet. 

This grand triple arch had two fronts, one east, the 
other west. Fifty American flags, with mourning 
drapery interwoven, were used in decorating the arches. 
Busts and portraits of Lincoln were placed conspicu- 
ously upon the arches. Two figures of an American 
eagle were placed near the apex of the central arch — 
that on the east front folding its wings, as if at rest, 
and the one on the west with wings extended, as if in 
the act of taking flight. All three of the arches had 
inscriptions on each front. Those on the east or lake 
side were : 

" Our Union; cemented in patriot blood shall stand forever." 



An honest man is the noblest work of God. 



*' The poor man's champion ; the people mourn him. ' 
On the west front : 

" We honor him dead, who honored us while living." 



" Rest in peace noble soul, patriot heart." 



" Faithful to right, a martj'r to justice." 
Beneath the central arch was a platform or dais. 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUlNfEXT. 95 

Tlie dais was covered with black velvet, ornamented 
with silver fringe, and fastened with silver stars. Black 
velvet hung in festoons on all sides, reaching nearly 
to the ground. It was sufficiently elevated for those 
at a distance to view it over the heads of the surround- 
ing multitude. The area around the dais was large 
enough to afPord standing room for many thousands. 
This area Avas tilled to its utmost capacity long before 
the hour of the expected arrival. 

AVhen the funeral train arrived at Park Place, a sig- 
nal gun was fired, and the tolling of the bell on the 
Court House announced the news to the citizens, but 
there were already thousands and thousands of people 
congregated in the vicinity of the funeral arch. The 
vast multitude stood in profound silence, and rever- 
ently uncovered their heads as the coffin was borne to 
the dais beneath the grand arch, while the great West- 
ern Light Guard Band performed the Lincoln Pe- 
quiem, composed for the occasion. Thirty-six young 
lady pupils of the High School, dressed in white and 
banded with crape, then walked around the bier and 
each deposited an immortelle on the coffin as she 
passed. The coffin was then placed in the funeral car 
or hearse, prepared expressly for the occasion, and the 
funeral cortege passed out of Park Place into Michigan 
avenue, and fell into procession in something like the 
following order : 

Police. 

Band of music plajing the Lincoln Requiem. 

Chief Marshal Col. R. M. Hough and Major General Joseph 

Hooker. 

Assistant Marshal Col. J. L. Hancock, and Superintendent of 

Police, William Turtle. 

Major General Alfred Sully and staff. 

Brigadier General IST. B. Buford and staff. 

Brigadier General J. B. Sweet and staff; and 

Military Band. 



96 

Eighth Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut, Col. Skinner, and four 

hundred men, with arms reversed, and in mourning. 

Military Band. 

Fifteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut Col. Martin 

Flood commanding, with four hundred men, arms 

reversed and in mourning. 

PALL BEARERS. ^ PALL BEARERS. 

Hon. L3'man Trumbull, ^ Hon. Thomas Drummond, 

Hon. John Wentworth, ^ Lt. Gov. William Bross, 

Hon. F. C. Sherman, ^ Hon. J. B. Rice, 

Hon. E. C. Earned, ^ Hon. S. W. Fuller, 

Hon. F. A. Hoffman, ^ Hon. T. B. Bryan, 

Hon. J. R. Jones, .^ Hon. J. Young Scammon. 

Military Escort. 
Capt. James McComly, of the 9th Veteran Reserve Corps ; First 
Lieutenant J. R. Durkee, 7th U. S. L ; Second Lieutenant E. 
Murphy, 10th U. S. I. ; and twenty-five sergeants of the Veteran 
Reserve Corps. 

Guard of Honor, 
Consisting of the general oflBcers appointed by the Secretary of 
War to accompany the remains from Washington to Springfield, 
Illinois. 

Two carriages contained the relatives and family friends. In 
the first, rode the Rev. Dr. Gurley, pastor, and Ninian W. Ed- 
wards and C. M. Smith, the two latter brothers in-law of the Presi- 
dent. In the second, rode Judge David Davis, of the U. S. Su- 
preme Court; General W. W. Orme, and W. H. Hanna, Esq. 
Illinois Delegation. 
Gov. R. J. Oglesby, Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Hon. Shelby M. 
Cullom, Hon. D. L. Phillips, W. H. Hanna, Adjutant General 
Isham N. Haynie, Col. James H. Bowen, E. F. Leonard, Dr. S. 
H. Melvin, Hon. O. M. Hatch, Col. John Williams. 
Congressional Committee. 
Senator Nye, of Nevada; Senator Williams, of Oregon; Sena- 
tor H. S. Lane, of Indiana; Senator J. H. Lane, of Kansas; Sena- 
tors Howe and Doolittle, of Wisconsin ; and George T. Brown, 
Sergeant-at-Arms of the TJ. S. Senate. Hon. Schuyler Colfax, 
Speaker U. S. House of Representatives; Hon. E. B. Washburn, 



AND THE NATIONAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 97 

Hon, B. C. Cook, Hon. J. O. Norton, tlis three latter from Illinois ; 
Hon. J. K. Morehead and Hon. Joseph Bailey, of Pennsj-lvauia; 
Hon. J. C. Sloan, of Wisconsin; Hon. J. F. Wilson, of Iowa; 
Hon. J. H. Farquliar, of Indiana; Hon. S^'dne}' Clarke, of Kan- 
sas; Hon. Thomas B. Sliannon, of Calitbrnia; Hon. Charles E. 
Phelps, of Marjdand ; Hon. Samuel Hooper, of Massachusetts ; 
Hon. T. W. Ferry, of Michigan ; Hon. W. A. Newell, of New 
Jersey; Hon. N. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-Arms U. S. House of 
Eepreseutatives. 

Gov. O. P. Morton and staff, of Indiana ; Governor W. H. Wal- 
lace, of Idaho Territor}^ ; and Gov. William Pickering, of Wash- 
ington Territory. 

Representatives of the Press. 

L. A. Gobright, of Washington City, and C. R. Morgan, both of 
the Associated Press; Dr. Adonis, of the Chicago Tribune; C. H. 
Page, of the New York Tribune; U. H. Painter, of the Philadel- 
phia Inquirer; and G. B. Woods, of the Boston Daily Advertiser. 

Committee of One Hundred, 
Appointed by the City Council of Chicago, " to proceed to Michi- 
gan City, to receive the remains of President Lincoln, escort 
them to Chicago, and accompany them to Springfield." The fol- 
lowing catalogue contains the names of all the members of the 
committee : 

Ex-Mayors B. W. Raymond, J. L. Milliken, James H. Wood- 
worth, J. S. Rumsey, Charles M. Gray, John C. Haines, Alexander 
Lloyd, and A. S. Sherman; Charles Randolph, N. K. Fairbanks, 
J. S. Browuson, John C. Dore, John F. Beatt}', Stephen Clary, 
C. J. Wheeler, J. Maple, S. S. Hayes, Mancel Talcott, N. W. 
Huntley, Aaron Gibbs, Judge J. B. Bradwell, Judge E. S. Wil- 
liams, Judge E. VanBuren, H. T. Dickey, John Kinzie, H. D. Col- 
vin, Thomas Hcyne, Elliot Anthony, Ira Y. Munn, O. S. Hough, 
Chas. H. Walker, D. R. Holt, W. D. Houghtelling, G. S. Hubbard, 
R. McChesney, Samuel Howe, I. Lawson, B. E. Gallup, J. K. Bots- 
ford, A. B. Johnson, Judge Jos. E. Geary, J. M. Watson, Judge Van 
H. Higgins, W. B. Brown, Mark Skinner, John Alston, S. P. A. 
Healey, James H. Goodsell, George M. Kimbark, Wm. Wayman, 
E. H. Sargent, C. G. Hammond, George C. Bates, Samuel Hoard, 
Peter Page, W. H. Bradley, L. P. Hilliard, Dr. William Wagner, 
J. S. Grindell, George Anderson, U. P. Harris, Dr. J. V. Z. Blaney, 
7 



98 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

J. L. Marsh, J. H. McVicker, W. F. Tucker, Dr. J. P. Lynn, J. II. 
Burnham, James Nulten, B. J: Patrick, Dr. D. Brainard, Matthew 
Laflin, John B. Turner, S. B. Cobb, W. W. Boyington, Isaac Speer, 
James W. Sheahan, Robert Hervey, M. L. Sykes, John B. Drake, 
John L.Wilson, Lutlier Haven, George Schneider, W. L. Church, 
John A. Wilson, Jacob Relnn, H. W. Bigelow, A. H. Blackall, 
Cliarles L. Wilson, Joseph Medill, A. C. Hesing, J. H. Field, 
E. W. Blatchford, T. S. Blackstone, Gen. Julius White, Capt. 
James Smith, J. V. Farwell, Robert H. Foss, L. Brentano, Wm. 
James, James Long, S. A. Goodwin, J. M. Van Osdel, M. W. 
Fuller. 

Charles L. Wilson was Chairman of the Committee of One 
Hundred, and Col. James H. Bowen and U. P. Harris, Marshals. 

Next came the Wisconsin Delegation, consisting of Gov. Lewis 
and other State officers, the Mayor and Councilmeu of the city 
of Madison, and several hundred citizens. 

After the Wisconsin Delegation, came a body of about fifty 
clergymen — all the principal denominations being represented. 

The remainder of the procession was separated into 
five grand divisions, each under a marshal, with a staif 
or corps of aids. The procession was made up of soci- 
eties of almost every kind known to the country. 
Military organizations innumerable ; Board of Trade ; 
Mercantile Association ; about one thousand Free 
Masons, and as many Odd Fellows, appeared in the 
line. Then there were Union Leagues, Fenian Soci- 
eties, and many Roman Catholic Societies, Hebrew 
Societies, Trades Societies and Unions, students of 
Chicago University, Druids and societies belonging to 
citizens from European countries, such as the Holland 
and Belgian Society, French Benevolent Society, Ger- 
man Societies in large numbers, Scandinavian, Bohe- 
mian, Irish, English and others. About four hundred 
colored citizens bearing the mottoes : 

" We mourn our loss," 



" Rest in peace, with a nation's tears." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 99 

The Chicago Fire Department brought up the rear. 

It is worthy of remark, that of the military who 
took part in the funeral honors, there was a full regi- 
ment of infantry, which was composed of men wTtio 
had been in the rebel army, and, after taking the oath 
of allegiance, at the several prison camps, were re- 
cruited into the government service. 

To attempt a detailed description of the procession 
would only result in failure. It was a wilderness of 
banners and flags, with their mottoes and inscriptions. 
The estimated number of persons in line was thirty- 
seven thousand, and there were three times as many 
more who witnessed the procession by crowding into 
the streets bordering on the line of march, making 
about one hundred and fifty thousand who were on the 
streets of Chicago that day, to add their tribute of re- 
spect to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. 

The line of march was from the Lake shore, at the 
foot of Park Row, or Park Place, west on that street 
to Michigan avenue, thence north on Michigan avenue 
to Lake street, west on Lake to Clark street, 'south on 
Clark to the east gate of the Court House square, 
and inside the square to the south door of the Court 
House. The remains reached the Court House at a 
quarter before one o'clock, passing in under the in- 
scription : 

" Illinois clasps to her bosom her slain and glorified sou." 

Over the north door was inscribed : 

" The beauty of Israel is slain upon her high places." 

A gorgeous catafalque had been erected in the centre 
of the rotunda, directly beneath the dome. The coffin 
was placed on the platform or dais within the cata- 
falque, and the entire procession passed through the 
rotunda in the order observed in marching through 
the streets. This was done before the coffin was 



100 

opened. The embalmers and assistants spent a short 
time in preparing the remains, and the people were ad- 
mitted. By midnight, it was estimated that forty 
thousand people passed through the Court House and 
looked upon the face of the dead President. 

Whilst the people are filing past the remains, we will 
leave them and go back to review the route of the pro- 
cession from its starting point to the Court House. 
The whole distance was guarded on either side by 
strong ropes, stretched along near the outer edge of 
the side walks. The streets were occupied entirely by 
the procession, and the side walks by spectators. The 
grand triple arch, with its inscriptions and mourning 
decorations, has been described. The residences and 
business houses, on either side of the streets along 
which the cortege moved, were among the finest build- 
ings of their kind in the world, and their owners had 
been lavish in the expenditure of money in draping 
them with mourning insignia and otherwise decorating 
them. Language would utterly fail to describe this 
part of the scene, and I shall content myself by quoting 
a small number of the hundreds of mottoes displayed 
and in describing some of these houses. 

" Mournfully, tenderly, bear on the dead." 



" Our Country's Martyr." 

The mansion of Lieutenant Governor Bross was 
beautifully draped with black and white crape, inter- 
woven with the national colors. 

The mansion of Hon. J. Y. Scammon bore on its 
front a bust of Abraham Lincoln, surrounded with 
wreaths of immortelles, and surmounted on the back 
ground by a cherub. The anchor of Hope was beauti- 
fully arranged among the mourning drapery. 

On another house was displayed the motto : 

" We mourn our beloved President." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 101 

The residence of Bishop Duggan, of the Roman 
Catholic Church, displayed the national flags of Ireland 
and America intertwined. 

Other houses bore such inscriptions as the following : 

" In sorrowing grief, tlie nation's tears are spent, 
Humanity lias lost a friend, and we a President." 



" Bear him gently to his rest." 

Beneath a marble bust of the President, surrounded 
by thirty-six golden stars, was inscribed : 

" TVe loved him much, but now we love him more." 

One of the banners bore the inscription : 

" Ours the cross — Thine the crown." 

On a banner hanging over a bust of Lincoln was : 

" Freedom's noblest sacrifice." 

At the Soldiers' Best, this quotation was displayed : 

" EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION." 

" Upon this act, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, 
and the gracious favor of Almighty God." 

And there were many others, such as : 

" To Union may our heartfelt call 
And brotherly love attune us all." 



Xations swell thy funeral cry." 



" Young, old, high and low, 
The same devotion show." 



102 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

*' And over the coflQn man planteth hope. 



Though dead, he yet speaketh.' 



" He won the wreath of fame, 
And wrote on Memory's scroll a deathless name.' 



Look how honor glorifies the dead." 



*' Know ye not that a great man has fallen this day in Israel." 



*' The great Emancipator." 



" He left us sustained by our prayers, 
He returns embalmed in our tears." 

I might continue these quotations almost indefinitely, 
but I have given enough to indicate the spirit that per- 
vaded all hearts. Thousands and tens of thousands of 
dollars were expended in decorating the buildings with 
mourning drapery. The triple arch was designed, con- 
structed and decorated under the superintendence of 
the well known architect, W. W. Boyington. The 
decorations at the Court House were designed and 
executed under the superintendence of the other equally 
well known architect, J. M. Van Osdel. The cata- 
falque was equal in design, execution and costliness of 
material, to any that have been described. To attempt 
a minute description would only bewilder the under- 
standing. 

Solemn music, both vocal and instrumental, was per- 
formed at intervals during the entire night. At mid- 
night, several hundred German voices chanted a re- 
quiem in the rotunda with thrilling eifect. Brigadier 
General Sweet appointed a guard of honor from the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 103 

Veteran Reserve Corps, to relieve those who had acted 
in that capacity from Washington. Their services 
were not required, for the reason that fifty Illinois offi- 
cers, formerly serving in the army and navy, had 
alread}' tendered their services, through Gen. Julius 
White, to act as Guard of Honor to the remains while 
in Chicago, and had been accepted by Gen. Townsend. 
'They were appointed as follows : 

First relief, Col. Edward Daniels ; second relief, Col. 
Hasbrouck Davis ; third relief, Lieut. Col. Arthur C. 
Ducat ; fourth relief, Capt. R. L. Law, U. S. N. 

Each officer of relief had nine officers under him, 
who, for the time, acted as Guard of Honor. The 
following was the full guard : 

Col. Hasbrouck Davis, Col. Edward Daniels, Lieut. Col. Arthur 
C. Ducat, Capt. R. L. Law, U. S. K ; Lieut. Col. T. W. Grosvenor, 
Lieut. Col. S. McClevy, Maj. M. Tliieman, Maj. John McCarthy, 
Maj. J. B. Kimball, Chief Engineer, U. S. N. ; Maj. Walter B. 
Scates, Maj. Charles Ehoon, Brev. Maj. L. Bridges ; Captains W. S. 
Swayne, James Dugane, F. Basse, Edward Went, Z. B. Greenleaf, 
Henry Konkle, John McAssen, Samuel A. Love, G. W, Hills, 
H. S. Goodspeed, R. K Hayden, J. M. Leish, B. A. Busse, P. H. 
Adolph, J. G. Langgarth, C. G. Adoc, Wm. Cunningham; Lieu- 
tenants N. S. Bouton, C. George, W. P. Barclay, M. Shields, J. S. 
Mitchell, G. S. Bigelow, R. J. Bellamy, R. S. Sheridan, Harry 
Briggs, F. A. Munge, J. H. Hills, A. Russell, C. H. Gladding. 

The skill and cool judgment of Col. R. M. Hough, 
in handling forty thousand men in the crowded streets 
of a city like Chicago, was equal to managing twice 
the number on open ground, and won the praise of all 
the military men Avho participated in the procession. 
A citizen of Chicago, while the people were pouring 
through the Court House by thousands, to look at the 
remains of Abraham Lincoln, was heard to say : 

" I have seen three deceased Kings of England lying 
in state^ but never have witnessed a demonstration so 



104 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

vast in its proportions, so unanimous and spontaneous, 
as that which has been evoked by the arrival in the 
city of the remains of the fallen President.'^ 

The three kings referred to were, George the Third, 
who, after a reign of sixty years, died in the eighty- 
third year of^ his age, January 29, 1820; George the 
Fourth, who died June 26, 1830; and William the 
Fourth, who died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded* 
by his niece. Queen Victoria. 

The Chicago Times of May 3, speaking of the mani- 
festations of sorrow and respect, says : • 

" The bitterest of his political opponents in life, vied with his 
warmest adherents in speaking words of appreciation and esteem. 
Some of the most touching and characteristic reminiscences of his 
personal traits, and of his private deeds, were contributed with 
tearfnl e3'^e and broken voice by his former opponents. 

"All joined heartily and liberally in preparation for the cere- 
monies, which yesterday and the day before were to put the seal 
of the people's approbation on his character and acts in the eye 
of the world. If men no longer went about their preparations 
with heavy and o'erburdened hearts, they did so with subdued 
and kindly ones. All was done with a tenderness more touching 
than the most uncontrollable passion of grief could be. When 
the sacred remains were brought through the streets and deposited 
in the keeping of the people of the city, there were no downcast 
countenances, but none that were not sad and pitiful. There 
were no loud voices in the unnumbered throngs. Men expressed 
themselves in subdued tones, and often nothing would be heard 
but the indescribable murmur of ten thousand voices, modulated 
to a whisper, and the careful tread of countless feet on the damp 
pavement of the streets. It Avas the entire population of a great 
city in mourning, conscious of what was due alike to herself and 
the honored dead." 

After having been exposed to view from four o^clock 
p. m., May 1, to eight p. m., May 2, the scene was 
closed by the Court House doors shutting out the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 105 

throng that was still pouring in. At half-past eight 
the Court House was cleared of all except the guard 
and the choir. The coffin was then closed and borne 
upon the shoulders of the Sergeants of the Veteran 
Reserve Corps down the south steps to. the funeral car. 
The Light Guard Band performed a requiem as the 
remains were being transferred. An immense proces- 
sion, bearing about three thousand torches, was already 
in line, to escort the remains to the depot. At a quar- 
ter before nine o'clock, it moved to the time of numer- 
ous bands of music. The route lay west on Washing- 
ton street to Market, south on Market to Madison, 
west on Madison, by the Madison street bridge, to 
Canal street, on the west side, thence south on Canal 
street to the depot of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis 
Railroad. While the preparations for starting were in 
progress, the choir continued to sing funeral dirges, 
and the twenty-five Sergeants of the the Veteran Re- 
serve Corps stood around the funeral car with drawn 
swords. At half-past nine o'clock, the funeral cortege 
moved slowly out of the depot to the strains of a fu- 
neral march by the band, while the bells of the city 
tolled a solemn farewell to all that was mortal of 
Abraham Lincoln. 

Some idea may be formed of the princely style of 
the reception and passage of the funeral cortege through 
Chicago, from the fact that the City Council paid bills 
for expenses incurred in erecting the funeral arch at 
Park Place, and decorating the Court House, to the 
amount of about fifteen thousand dollars. This was 
probably not more than a tithe of the total expendi- 
ture by citizens and asssociations. 



106 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER XIII. 



The remains had tarried so long at Chicago, while 
such extensive preparations were in progress at 
Springfield, it w^ould not have been surprising if 
the people along the line had contented themselves 
with visiting one or the other of those places, and 
had omitted any demonstrations at the respective 
towns and cities along the route, but the love in the 
hearts of the people of Illinois for the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln would not permit them to be so 
easily satisfied. 

At Bridgeport, in the very suburbs of Chicago, the 
people had kindled bonfires, and with torches lighted 
the way as the train moved slowly along. Crowds of 
spectators were at Summit and Willow Springs stations, 
and at the town of Lemont. 

Lockport, 11:33 p. m., Tuesday, May 2. An im- 
mense bonfire was burning, minute guns firing, and 
the track lined with people holding torches. The 
glare of light revealed the mourning drapery on almost 
every building, and many mottoes expressive of the 
feelings of the people. None elicited more sympathetic 
feeling than the simple words, 

*' Come Home," 

Joliet. It was midnight and raining. At least 
twelve thousand people were assembled at the depot. 
Bonfires lighted up the scene, and the cortege was 
greeted by minute guns, tolling of bells, and funeral 
dirges by a band of music. An immense arch spanned 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 107 

the track, decked with flags, evergreens and the insignia 
of mourning. The arch was surmounted by a figure 
representing the Genius of America, weeping. Among 
the mottoes, the most impressive was, 

"Champion, defender and martyr of liberty." 

As the train moved away, a number of ladies and 
gentlemen, on an elevated platform, were singing, 

" There is rest for thee in heaven." 

At Elwood and Hampton — both very small places — 
the people had kindled large bonfires to enable them to 
take a passing view of the funeral train. 

Wilmington, one o'clock, a. m., Wednesday, May 3. 
Minute guns announced the arrival of the train, and a 
line of men with torches was drawn up on each side 
of the track. The depot was draped in mourning and 
about two thousand people were present to view the 
grand funeral cortege. 

At Gardner all the houses to be seen were draped in 
mourning and illuminated, while crowds of people were 
at the depot. 

D wight, two o'clock, a. m.. May 3. Minute guns 
and the tolling of bells announced the arrival of the 
cortege. The American flag was displayed, and all 
the buildings in view were draped in mourning. 
The entire population appeared to be out of doors de- 
sirous to pay their respects to the memory of Lincoln. 
Some of the escort recognized this as the place where 
the Prince of Wales and his royal party were enter- 
tained. 

Minute guns, tolling of bells, bonfires, funeral dirges 
and the insignia of mourning made up the demon- 
strations at Odell, Cayuga, Pontiac, Chenoa and Lex- 
ington. 

Towanda, 4:30 a. m.. May 3. A large assemblage 
of people were at the depot anxious to testify their sor- 
row and respect for the distinguished martyr. This is 
the highest point between Chicago and St. Louis, being 



108 

one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the water of 
Lake Michigan. 

Bloomington, five o'clock^ a. m., May 3. A lai'ge 
arch over the track bears the inscription, " Go to thy 
Rest." The depot was handsomely draped in mourn- 
ing, and about five thousand persons were assembled 
to testify their respect for the distinguished statesman. 
There w^ould, no doubt, have been greater demonstra- 
tions at Bloomington, but a considerable number of the 
citizens visited Chicago, and a very large delegation 
had already gone, or were then on the point of going 
to Springfield to participate in the procession and other 
demonstrations of respect and mourning. 

At Shirley, a large number of people were present, 
with sad countenances, to view the imposing funeral 
cortege as it glided by. 

At McLean, minute guns, tolling bells, and singing 
by a choir of ladies contributed with mournful effect 
to the occasion, which called out almost the entire 
population. 

Atlanta, six o'clock, a. m.. May 3. Minute guns and 
the fife and muffled drum greeted the funeral cortege 
at this place, just as the sun arose in splendor over the 
beautiful prairies. A large number of people had as- 
sembled, and portraits of Abraham Lincoln with em- 
blems of mourning were everywhere visible. Among 
the mottoes were, 

" Mournfull}^ tenderly, bear him to his grave." 



"He saved our country and freed a race." 



Lincoln, 111., 7 a. m., May 3. This town was 
named for Abraham Lincoln, by some personal friends 
before he was known to fame. The depot was appro- 
priately draped in mourning, and ladies dressed in 
white, trimmed with black, sang a requiem as the train 
passed under a handsomely constructed arch, on each 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 109 

column of wliicli was a portrait of tlie deceased Presi- 
dent. The arch bore as a motto : 

*' With malice to none, witli chnrity for all." 

The national colors were prominently displayed^ and a 
profusion of evergreens, Avith black and white drapings, 
completed the artistic decorations. 

At Elkhart, a beautiful arch spanned the track, orna- 
mented with evergreens and national flags, all draped 
in mourning. The arch was surmounted by a cross 
formed of evergreens and bearing the motto : 

" Ours the cross, thine the crown." 

At AYilliamsville, the houses were nearly all draped 
in mourning, w4th a profuse display of small flags and 
portraits of the late President. An arch spanned the 
track here, also, which bore the inscription : 

"He has fulfilled liis mission." 

Springfield, 111., 9 a. m., Wednesday, May 3, 1865. 
The train arrived one hour later than schedule time, 
so little did it deviate from the time table arranged be- 
fore leaving Washington twelve days previous. The 
trains on all the roads for the twenty- four hours before 
the expected arrival of the funeral cortege, brought in 
passengers by thousands. The greatest anxiety was 
manifested by the people to be present at the reception 
of the remains of Abraham Lincoln. Long previous 
to the time appointed for their arrival, crowds Avere col- 
lected at the depot of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, 
and extended along the line of the road several squares 
north. Every building in the vicinity was covered 
with spectators. Hundreds of men who could not 
find standing or sitting room near the depot, walked 
up Fourth and Fifth streets to the crossing near the 
northern limits of the city. Every class of people was 



110 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

represented in the assembled multitude. Minute guns 
Avere fired by a section of Battery K, Second Missouri 
Light Artillery. A few minutes before nine o'clock, 
the pilot engine made its appearance. The ten minutes 
between its arrival and that of the funeral train, were 
occupied by Gen. Cook in bringing to their proper pla- 
ces the committee of reception, members of the several 
delegations, the military and the civic societies. 

As soon as the funeral car came along side of the 
depot, the coffin was transferred to the beautiful hearse 
which had been tendered for the occasion by Messrs. 
Lynch & Arnot, of St. Louis, through mayor Thomas 
of that city, and accepted by mayor Dennis of Spring- 
field. The hearse was built in Philadelphia, at a cost 
of about six thousand dollars, and was larger and longer 
than the ordinary size. It had been used at the funeral 
of the Hon. Thomas H. Benton. After the offer was 
accepted, the proprietors had it additionally ornamented 
with a silver plate engraving of the initials "A. L." 
around which was a silver wreath, with two inverted 
torches and thirty-six silver stars, representing the States 
of the Union. It was drawn by six superb black hor- 
ses, draped in mourning, and wearing plumes on their 
crests. The horses belonged to Messrs. Lynch & Arnot 
also, and were driven on this occasion by Mr. A. Arnot, 
Avithout the aid of grooms. 

The procession moved in the following order : 

Brig. Gen. John Cook and staff. 

The 146th regiment IlliuoisVolunteer Infantry, Col. H. H. Deane; 

one company of the 46th regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer 

Infantry, Capt. Chase, and Company E. Veteran 

Reserve Corps, under Lieut. Cornelius. 

The above organizations were acting as a military funeral escort. 

Band. 
Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker and staff. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. Ill 

PALL BEAKEES. PALL BEARERS. 

Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Erastns Wriglit, Esq. 

Hon. S. T. Logan, ^ Jacob Bunn, Esq. 

Hon. W. F. Elkin, g Chas. W. Matheny, Esq, 

Hon. Gustavus Kcerner, g Capt. James K. Brown, 

Hon. S. H. Treat, • Col. John Williams, 

James L. Lamb, Esq. Dr. Gersliom Jayne. 

Guard of Honor. 
Composed of the same general officers who were appointed by 
the Secretary of War to accompany the remains to Springfield. 
Also, the Commissary of Subsistence, Embalmer and Undertaker. 
Relatives and family friends. 
Among the latter were the Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley, Pastor of the 
deceased, and Judge David Davis of the U. S. Supreme Court. 

Illinois Delegation, named in another place. 

Congressional Committee, or Delegation, named in another place. 

Gentlemen from Washington, D. C. Hon. Richard Wallach, 

Mayor, and Col. Ward H. Lamon, U. S. Marshal for the 

District of Columbia. 

[It is worthy of remark here^ that three of the men 
who left Springfield with Mr. Lincoln^ February 11, 
1861, returned with his remains, viz. : Major General 
David Hunter, Judge David Davis and Col. Ward H. 
Lamon.] 

Members of the Illinois State Legislature. 
Governors of the different States. 
Delegation from Kentucky. 
Chicago Committee of one hundred. 
Springfield Committee of Reception. 
Judges of the several Courts. 
The Reverend Clergy. 
Officers of the Army and Navy then in service or honorably dis- 
charged. 
Civic Societies. 
Citizens generally. 

The procession moved from the depot east on Jeifer- 
son street to Fifth, south on Fifth to Monroe, east on 



112 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Monroe to Sixth, north on Sixth to the State House 
Square, entering through the east gate, and by the north 
door of the State House to Representatives' Hall, in the 
west end of the building, second story, where the cof- 
fin was placed on a dais, within a magnificent catafalque 
prepared for the occasion. 

A few minutes after ten o'clock all being in readi- 
ness, the doors were opened and the vast multitude be- 
gan to file through the hall to view the remains. They 
entered the Capitol at the north door, ascended the 
stairway in the rotunda and entered Representatives' 
Hall at the north door, passed by the catafalque, out at 
the south door, then down the stairway and made their 
exit from the Capitol at the south side. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 118 



CHAPTEK XIY. 



AYe will turn our attention for a time from the crowds 
of people, and view the preparations for this reception. 
For ten days a large number of men and women worked 
almost night and day in decorating the State House. 
The whole building was draped in mourning on the 
exterior ; and the rotunda and Representatives' Hall on 
the interior, and the entrance to the Governor's room, 
the rooms of the Secretary of State, Auditor of State 
and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Part of the 
time there Avere one hundred and fifty persons at work. 
The ladies of Springfield bore their full share in these 
arduous labors. I have been furnished with the fol- 
lowing figures by a prominent citizen of this city, who 
prepared some of the designs for decorations. I shall 
not attempt a description of the ornamental Avork, but 
will give a few facts by which some idea of their gor- 
geous beauty may be conveyed. About fifteen hund- 
red yards of black and white goods were used in the 
decorations, exclusive of the catafalque. In its con- 
struction and decoration, black cloth, black velvet, 
black, blue and white silk and crape, with silver stars 
and silver lace and fringe, were used in the greatest 
profusion. The canopy of the catafalque was made of 
velvet, festooned with satin and silver fringe. It was 
lined on the- under side with blue silk, studded with 
silver stars. Three hundred yards of velvet and mourn- 
ing goods, and three hundred yards of silver lace and 
fringe, besides avast quantity of other materials, were 
used in its construction. Each of the six columns was 
surmounted with a rich plume. 
8 



114 THE GEE AT FUNEEAL COETEGE, 

Evergreens and flowers interwoven with crape, hung 
in festoons from capitals, cohimns and cornices in all 
parts of the building. Tnvo hundred vases of natural 
flowers in full bloom, emitted their fragrance through- 
out the edifice. Nearly all of them were furnished free 
of cost by Michael Doyle, horticulturist, of Springfield. 
Mottoes and inscriptions were displayed at various 
places about the hall, but I can only give place to two 
of them : 

"Washington the Father, Lincoln the Saviour." 



"Rather than surrender that principle I •would be assassinated 
on this spot." 

The Governor's mansion, the old Lincoln residence, 
the military headquarters of Gen. Cook and Gen. Oakes, 
w^ere decorated, externally, similar to the State House. 
Of the twenty thousand dollars appropriated by the 
City Council of Springfield, to be expended in prepa- 
rations for the funeral, less than fifteen thousand were 
used. Part of it was expended in building the tempo- 
rary vault on the new State House grounds, paying 
railroad charges on some carriages from Jacksonville, 
the hearse from St. Louis, and the expenses of musi- 
cians and the orator ; but much the largest portion of 
the whole amount was laid out in decorating the build- 
ings above named. This, however, was only a small 
part of the money thus expended, for the whole city 
was draped in mourning, business houses, private resi- 
dences and all, and in many instances they were as 
richly decorated as the public buildings. 

It was well known that the hotels could not accom- 
modate a tithe of the strangers who would be in attend- 
ance, and private families who could do so, made prepa- 
rations and invited to their houses such as could not 
otherwise be provided for. The six organizations of 
Free Masons in Springfield^ viz. : four lodges, one 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 115 

chapter and one commandery, made equal appropria- 
tions from their several treasuries, procured one of the 
largest halls in the city, tilled it with tables, and kept 
them supplied with well cooked food prepared by the 
families of their members. This dining hall was in- 
tended to be free to masons only who should be in 
attendance, but many others partook of their bounty 
also. As for sleeping, there was not much of that done 
in Springfield on the night the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln were exposed to view. 

Strangers who were in the city on this occasion for 
the first time, almost invariably visited the former resi- 
dence of Abraham Lincoln, at the north east corner of 
Eighth and Jackson streets. As already stated, it was 
elaborately and tastefully decorated with the national 
colors and the insignia of sorrow. The committee of 
escort from Chicago, numbering one hundred — although 
business engagements prevented part of their number 
visiting Springfield — assembled near the residence and 
had their photographs taken in a group, in connection 
Avith the house, to be preserved as a memorial of their 
mournful visit. The photograph was by an artist from 
Chicago, who accompanied the escort to Springfield for 
the purpose of taking views of the State House, the 
closing scenes at Oak Ridge, and other objects of in- 
terest. 

From the time the coffin was opened, at ten o'clock 
on the morning of May third, there was no cessation 
of visitors. All through the still hours of the night, 
no human voices were heard except in subdued tones ; 
but the tramp, tramp, of busy feet, as men and women 
filed through the State House, up one flight of stairs, 
through the hall, and down another stairway, testified 
the love and veneration for Abraham Lincoln in the 
hearts of his old friends and neighbors. While the 
closing scenes were being enacted, a choir of two hundred 
and fifty singers, accompanied by Lebrun's Washington 
band, of twenty performers, from St. Louis, assembled 



116 THE GEE AT FUXEEAL COETEGE, 

on the steps of the Capitol, and, under the direction of 
Professor Meissner, sang 

"Peace, troubled soul." 

The coffin was closed at ten o'clock on the morning 
of May 4th, and while it Avas being conveyed to the 
hearse the choir sang Pleyel's Hymn : 

"Children of the Heavenly King." 

The funeral procession was then formed in the fol- 
lowing order, under the immediate direction of Major 
General Joseph Hooker, Marshal-in-Chief : 

Brig. Gen. John Cook and staff. 
Brig. Gen. James Oakes and staff. 
Military. 
Funeral Escort. 
First Division. Col. C. M. Prevost, 16tli Reg. V. R. C, Mar- 
shal. Aids : Lieut. Thomas B. Beach, A. A. A. Gen. ; Maj. Hor- 
ace Holt, 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery ; Capt. J. C. Reunison, 15th 
N. Y. Cavalry ; Capt. E. C. Raymond, 124th 111. Inf. ; Capt. Eddy, 
95th 111. Inf. ; Lieut. H. N. Schlick, 1st K Y. Dragoons. 

This division consisted entirely of Infantry, Cavalry 
and Artillery. 

Second Division. Maj. F. Bridgman, Pay Department, U. S. 
Army, Marshal. Aids : Maj. R. W. McClaughry and Maj. W. W. 
White. 

This division was composed of officers and enlisted 
men of the Army and Navy, not otherwise assigned, 
officers in uniform and side arms. 

Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand was the chief marshal of the 
civic department of the procession. Aids: Lieut. Col. Schwartz, 
Capt. Henrj' Jayne, Capt. R. Rudolph, Capt. Benjamin Ferguson, 
Hon. Charles Keys, W. M. Springer, E. E. Myers, Ed. L. Merritt, 

N. Higgins. 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 117 

The command of Gen. McClernand commenced 
with the 

Third Division. Col. Dudley Wickersham, of the 1st Army 
Corps, Marshal. Aids : Joshua Rogers, Isaac A. Hawley, W. F. 
Kiinber, J. B. Perkins. 

Marshals of Sections — Col. W. S. Barniim, Cnpt. A. J. Allen, 
Col. S. K Hitt, Clinton L. Conkling, Robert P. Officer, W. Smith 
and Capt. T. G. Barnes. 

Orator of the Day and Officiating Clergymen — Rev. Dr. Simp- 
son, Bishop of the M. E. Church and Orator of the Day; Rev. Dr. 
Gnrley; Rev. Dr. K W. Miner; Rev. Dr. Harkey; Rev. Albert 
Hale ; Rev. A. C. Hubbard, and others. 

Surgeons and Physicians of the Deceased. 

PALL BEARERS. PALL BEARERS. 

Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Erastus Wright, Esq. 

Hon. S. T. Logan, t=j Hon. J. IS". Brown, 

Hon, Gustavus Koerner, ^ Jacob Bunn, Esq. 

James L. Lamb, Esq. g C. W. Matheny, Esq. 

Hon. S. H. Treat, ' Elijah lies, Esq. 

Col. John AVilliams, Hon. John T. Stuart. 

"Old Bob." or "Robin," the old horse formerly ridden by 
Abraham Lincoln in his political campaigns and law practice, off 
the lines of railroad. He was about sixteen years old, and was led 
by two colored grooms. 

Guard of Honor, in carriages, as follows : Brevet Brig, Gen. E. 
D. Townsend; Brevet Brig. Gen. Charles Thomas; Brig. Gen. A. 
B. Eaton ; Brevet Maj. Gen. J. G. Barnard ; Brig. Gen. G. D. 
Ramsay ; Brig. Gen. A. P. Howe ; Brevet Brig, Gen, D, C. Mc- 
Callum; Maj. Gen. D. Hunter; Brig. Gen. J. C. Caldwell; Brig. 
Gen. Elkin: Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; Capt. W. R. Taylor, U. 
S. Navy; Maj. T. H. Field, U. S. Marine Corps. 

Relatives and Family Friends, in Carriages. 

Fourth Division. Col, Speed Butler, Marslial. Aids : Maj. 
Robert Allen, Capt. Louis Rosette and Capt. Albert Williams. 

Marshals of Sections— William Bennett, H. W. Ives, Philip C. 
Latliam, William V. Roll, K. H. Richardson, J. E. Williams and 
J. D. Crabb. 



118 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE^ 

Congressional Committe or Delegation. 

Senate — Hon. Messrs. James W. Nye of Nevada, George H. Wil- 
liams of Oregon, Henry S. Lane of Indiana, John B. Henderson 
of Missouri, Lyman Trumbull and Richard Yates of Illinois, Howe 
and Doolittle of Wisconsin, Foote of Vermont, Chandler of 
Michigan, and George T. Brown, Sergeant-at-arms of the U. S. 
Senate. 

House of Eepresejitatives — Hon. Schuyler Colfax, Speaker; Hon. 
Messrs. Pike of Maine, Rollins of New Hampshire, Baxter of 
Connecticut, Harris of New York, Cowan of Pennsylvania, Farns- 
worth, Washburn, Cook, Norton and Arnold, of IHlnois, Morehead 
and Bailey of Pennsylvania, Sloan of Wisconsin, Wilson of Iowa, 
Farquhar of Indiana, Clarke of Kansas, Shannon of California, 
Phelps of Maryland, Hooper of Massachusetts, Ferry of Michi- 
gan, Newell of New Jersey, Whaley of West Virginia, Schenck 
of Ohio, Smith of Kentucky, Ramsay of Minnesota, Hitchcock 
of Nebraska, and S. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-arms of the U. S- 
House of Representatives. 

Territorial Representatives — Hon. Messrs. Bradford, of Colorado, 
and Weed, of Dacotah. 

A portion of those who are named among the Con- 
gressional Delegation did not attend, but of those who 
were certainly with the funeral cortege from the begin- 
ning to the end of the journey, were the Hon. ISIessrs. 
Williams, of Oregon, Nye, of Nevada, Washburn, of 
Illinois, Morehead, of Pennsylvania, Hooper, of Massa- 
chusetts, and Schenck, of Ohio. Some of the Mem- 
bers of Cono;ress from Illinois were in the 

Illinois Delegation. 

Governor R. J. Oglesby, Hons. Jesse K. Dubois, Shelby M. 
Cullom and D. L. Phillips, Adjt. Gen. Isham N. Haynie, Col. J. 
H. Bowen, W. H. Hanna, E. F. Leonard, Dr. S. H. Melvin, Hon. 
O. M. Hatch, Col. John Williams. 

Governors of States with their suites, and Governors of Terri- 
tories: Oglesby, of Illinois; Bramlette, of Kentucky ; Morton, 
of Indiana; Fletcher, of Missouri: Stone, of Iowa; Pickering, of 
Washington Territory, and Wallace, of Idaho Territory. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 119 

Members of the Illinois Legislature. 

Kentucky Delegation. 

Chicago Committee of Reception and Escort. 

Fifth Division. Hon. George L. Huntington, Marshal. Aids: 

Dr. S. Babcock, George Shepherd, Charles Ridgley, George 

Latham, Moses B. Condell. 

This division was composed of the municipal authori- 
ties of Springfield^ and other cities. 

Sixth Division. Hon. W. H. Herndon, Marshal. Aids: P. P 
Eiios, C. S. Zane, Dr. T. W. Dresser, John T. Jones, William G. 
Cochrane, James Rayborne, Charles Vincent, Edward Beach, John 
Peters, C. W. Reardon, R. C. Huskey. 

Marshals of Sections — Thomas Lyon, B. T. Hill, George Birge, 
Henry Yeakel, Jacob Halfen, Sweet, Dewitt C. Hartwell, 

Hamilton Haney, Fred. B. Smith. 

The sixth division was composed of Christian, Sani- 
tary and other kindred Commissions, Aid Societies, etc. 
and delegations from Universities, Colleges and other 
institutions of learning. 

Reverend Clergy, not officiating for the day. 

Members of the Legal Profession. 

Members of the Medical Profession. 

Representatives of the Press. 

Seventh Division. Hon. Harmon G. Reynolds, Marshal. Aids: 

George R. Teasdale, John A. Hughes, James Smith, P. Fitzpat- 

rick, Henr}^ Shuck and Thomas O'Conner. 

Marshals of sections — Capt. Charles Fisher, Frank AY. Tracy, 
M. Conner, Frederick Smith, M. Armstrong, Richard Young. 

This division was composed of the various bodies of 
Free Masons, Odd Fellows and other kindred fraterni- 
ties, and the Firemen. 

Eighth Division. Hon. John W. Smith, Marshal. Aids : C apt- 
Isaac Keys, S. H. Jones, Hon. John W. Priest, O. A. Abel, Maj. 
H. N. Aldeu, Wm. P. Crafton, G. A. Kimber, John W. Poorman, 
Henry. Ridgley, J. H. Crow, John W. Davis, Presco Wright, N. 



120 THE GREAT EUNEEAL CORTEGE, 

Y. Hunt, George Dalhy, Alfred A. North, Hon. J. S. Bradford, 
Samuel P. Townsend. 

This division was composed of citizens generally, and 
all who had not been assigned to some other place in 
the procession, bringing up the rear with the colored 
people. 

The procession thus formed receive.d the corpse at 
the north gate of the State House square, and moved 
east on Washington street to Eighth, soutli on Eighth 
— passing the Lincoln residence at the corner of Jack- 
son and Eighth — to Cook, west on Cook to Fourth, 
north on Fourth, passing between the Governor's man- 
sion — then the home of Governor Oglesby — and the 
fine residence of ex-Governor Matteson, to Union, west 
on Union to Third, north on Third to the eastern en- 
trance to Oak Ridge Cemetery, one and a half miles 
from the State House. 

On arriving at the cemetery, the remains were placed 
in the receiving tomb. The choir then sang the Dead 
March in Saul : 

" Unveil tby bosom, fuitliful tomb, 
Take this uew treasure to thy trust," etc. 

Rev. Albert Hale, Pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Cliurch, of Springfield, then offered a fervent and ap- 
propriate prayer, after which the choir sang a dirge 
composed for the occasion by L. W. Dawes, music by 
George F. Root : 

" Farewell, Father, Friend and Guardian." 

A portion of scripture was then read by Rev. N. W. 
Miner, and the choir sang 

" To Thee, O, Lord, I yield my spirit." 

President Lincoln's Inaugural Address of March 4, 
1865, was then read by Rev. A. C. Hubbard. A dirge 
was performed by the choir, and then followed the 
Funeral Oration by Rev. Dr. Simpson, Bishop of the 



AXD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX M0XU3IENT. 121 

Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a review of the 
life of Abraham Lincoln, more particularly that part 
from the time he left Springfield, Feb. 11, 1861, until 
his death. In drawing the contrast between his depart- 
ure and return, the Bishop said : 

" Such a sceue as his return to j^ou was never kuown among the 
eveuts of histoiy. There was oue for th^ Patriarch Jacob which 
come up from Egypr, aud the Egyptians wondered at the evidences 
of reverence aud filial affection which came up from the hearts 
of the Israelites. There was mourniug when Moses fell upon the 
heights of Pisgah, and was hid from human view. There has 
been mourning in the kingdoms of the earth when kings and 
princes have fallen, but never was there in the history of man 
such mourniug as tiiat which acccnupanied this funeral procession. 

"Far more eyes have gazed upon the face of the departed than 
ever looked upon the face of any other departed man. More ej'es 
have looked upon the procession for sixteen hundred miles and 
more, by night and b}' day, by sunlight, dawn, twilight, and by 
torchlight, than ever before watched the progress of a procession." 

In illustration of the universal feeling of sorrow, 
the orator said : 

" Nor is this mourning confined to any one class, or to any dist- 
rict or country. Men of all political parties aud of all religious 
creeds, have united in paying this mournful tribute. The arch- 
bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in New York and a Prot- 
estant minister walked side b}^ side in the sad procession, A Jew- 
ish Rabbi performed part of the solemn services. 

"But the great cause of this mourniug is found in the man him- 
self Mr, Lincoln was no ordinarj'^ man ; and I believe the con- 
viction has been growing on the nation's mind, as it certainly has 
been on mine, especially in the last years of his administration, 
that by the hand of God he was especiall}^ singled out to guide 
our government in these troubled times. And it seems to me that 
the hand of God ma}- be traced in many of the events connected 
with his history, 

" I recognize this in his physical education, which prepared him 
for enduring herculean labors. In the toils of his boyhood and 



122 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

the labors of his manhood, God was giving him an iron frame. 
Next to this was his identification with the lieart of tlie great 
people, uuderstauding their feelings because he was one of them, 
and connected with them in their movements and life. His edu- 
cation was simple. A few mouths spent in the school house gave 
him the elements of an education. He read Bunyan's Pilgrim's 
Progress, ^sop's Fables and the life of Washington, which were 
his favorites. In these we recognize the marks which gave the 
bias to his character, and which partly moulded his style. His 
early life, with its varied struggles, joined him indissolubly to the 
w^orking masses, and no elevation in societ}^ diminished his respect 
for the sons of toil. He knew what it was to fell the tall trees of 
the forest, and to stem the current of the broad Mississippi. His 
home was in the growing West — the heart of the Republic — and 
invigorated b}^ the winds that swept over its prairies, he learned 
lessons of self reliance that sustained him in scenes of adversity. 
His genius was soon recognized, as true genius always will be, and 
he was placed in the legislature of his adopted State. Already 
acquainted with the principles of law, he devoted his thoughts to 
matters of public interest, and began to be looked upon as the 
* coming statesman.' As early as 1839 he presented resolutions in 
the legislature asking for emancipation in the District of Columbia, 
while, with but rare exceptions, the whole popular mind of his 
State was opposed to the measure. From that hour he was a 
steady and uniform friend of humanity, and Avas preparing for the 
conflict of later years. 

"It was not, however, cliiefl}^ by his mental fiiculties that he 
gained such control over mankind. His moral power gave him 
pre-eminence. The convictions of men that Abraham Lincoln 
was an honest man, led them to yield to his guidance. As has 
been said of Cobden, whom he greatly resembled, he made all men 
feel a kind of sense of himself — a recognized individuality — a self 
relying power. The}'' saw in him a man whom they believed 
would do what was right, regardless of consequences. It was this 
moral feeling wiiich gave him the greatest hold upon the people, 
and made his utterances almost oracular. 

" But the great act of the mighty chieftain, on which his power 
shall rest long after his frame shall moulder away, is giving free- 
dom to a race. We have all been tauoht to revere the sacred 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 123 

scriptures. We have thought of Moses ; of his power, and the 
prominence he gave to the moral law; how it lasts, aud how his 
uame towers high among the names in heaven, aud how he deliv- 
ered those millions of his kindred out of bondage. And yet we 
may assert that Abraham Lincoln, by his proclamation, liberated 
more enslaved people than ever Moses set free — and those not of 
his kindred. G-od has seldom given such power or such an oppor- 
tunity to man. Wlien other events shall have been forgotten ; 
when this world shall have become a network of republics; when 
ever}^ throne sliall be swept from the face of the earth; when lit- 
erature shall enlighten all minds; when the claims of humanity 
shall be recognized everywhere, this act shall still be conspicuous 
on the pages of history. And we are thankful that God gave to 
Abraham Lincoln the decision aud wisdom and grace to issue that 
proclamation, which stands high above all other papers which have 
been penned by uninspired men. 

"Look over all his speeches — listen to liis utterances — he never 
spoke unkindl}^ of an}' man. Even the rebels received no words 
of anger from him, and the last day of his life illustrated, in a re- 
inarkable manner, his forgiving disposition. A dispatch was 
received that afternoon that Thompson aud Tucker were trying 
to escape through Maine, aud it was proposed to arrest them. 
Mr. Lincoln, however, preferred to let them quietly escape. He 
was seeking to save the verj' men who had been plotting his de- 
struction ; and this morning we read a proclamation otfering 
$25,000 for the arrest of these men as aiders and abettors of his 
assassination; so that, in his expiring acts, he was saying, 'Father 
forgive them, they know not what they do.' As a ruler, I dtmbt 
if any president ever showed such trust in God, or, in public 
documents, so frequently referred to Divine aid. Often did he 
remark to friends and delegations that his liope for our success 
rested in his conviction that God would bless our efforts because 
Ave were trying to do right. To the address of a large religious 
body he replied, 'Thanks be unto God who, in our national trials, 
givetli us the churches.' To a minister who said he 'hoped the 
Lord was on our side,' he replied that it ' gave him no concern 
whether the Lord was on our side or not,' and then added, 'for I 
know the Lord is always on the side of right,' and with deep feel- 
ing continued : 'But God is my witness that it is my constant 



124 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE^ 

anxiety and prayer that both myself and this nation should be on 
the Lord's side.' " 

After the oration or eulogy, a requiem was per- 
formed by the choir, a prayer offered by the Rev. Dr. 
Harkey, followed by the singing of 

" Peace, troubled soul." 

Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley then arose, made a few remarks 
and the closing prayer, after which the following funeral 
hymn, composed by him for the occasion, Avas sung : 

Rest, noble martyr! rest in peace; 

Rest with the true and brave 
Who, like thee, fell in freedom's cause, 

The nation's life to save. 

Thy name shall live while time endures, 

And men shall say of thee, 
He saved his country from its foes, 

And bade the slave be free. 

These deeds shall be thy monument, 

Better than brass or stone ; 
They leave th}^ fame in glory's light 

Unrivaled and alone. 

This consecrated spot shall be 

To freedom ever dear ; 
And freedom's sons of every race 

Shall weep and worship here. 

O, God, before whom we, in tears, 

Our fallen chief deplore, 
Grant that the cause for which he died, 

May live forever more. 

The services closed by the choir singing the doxology, 
and the benediction by Dr. Gurley,when the vast mul- 
titude melted away and sought the railroad depots, from 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 125 

wliicli the trains bore them to their homes in all parts 
of the nation — east, west, north and south. Thus 
ended the most grand and sublime funeral pageant 
the world ever saw. The injunction so often repeated 
on the way — 

" Bear him gently to liis rest " — 

was reverently obeyed, and Mr. Lincoln's own words, 

"The heart of the iialiou tlirobsheavily at the portals of the tomb," 

were realized with a force of which he little thought at 
the time they were spoken. 

In the largest number of places where the escort 
stopped to give an opportunity for public honors, the 
local authorities provided guards to relieve the Guard 
of Honor detailed by the Secretary of War, but in no 
instance did they all leave the remains. They were 
acting under orders to guard the body of Abraham Lin- 
coln until it should be deposited in its .final resting 
place at Springfield, Illinois, and during all the jour- 
ney there was not a moment but one or more of these 
veteran officers, with bronzed visages and gray hairs, 
could be seen near the body. 

According to the special order issued from the War 
Department, April 18, 1865, all arrangements by State 
or municipal authorities for doing honor to the remains, 
were to be under the direction of the military com- 
mander of the division, department or district in which 
the proposed demonstrations were to take place. In 
order to see that the provisions of this order were car- 
ried out. Major General Cadwallader, commander of 
the department of Pennsylvania, joined the cortege at 
the State line between ]\Iaryland and Pennsylvania. 
He continued with the funeral party until it reached 
Jersey City, when he was relieved by Major General 
John A. Dix, commander of the department of New 
York. Gen. Dix traveled with the cortege through 
New York and across the northern end of Pennsylva- 
nia. Major General Joseph Hooker, commander of the 



126 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

department of the Ohio, relieved Gen. Dix at Wick- 
lifie, Ohio. General Hooker continued with the funeral 
cortege until the closing ceremonies at Springfield, 
Illinois. 

I have omitted to mention the estimates given in the 
papers of the numbers who viewed the remains at dif- 
ferent points ; but summing them all up at the close, 
I feel justified in saying that more than one mil/ion 
men and loomen must have looked upon the dead face 
of Abraham Lincoln ;an event which has no parallel in 
the history of the world. 

In the course of the entire journey, there can not be 
a line or even a word found on record, urging the peo- 
ple to turn out in honor of the deceased. The assem- 
bling of such multitudes was, in all cases, spontaneous. 
Day and night, cold or warm, rain or shine, for twelve 
long days and nights, it was only necessary for the 
people to know the time the cortege was expected to 
arrive at any given point, to bring them together in 
great numbers. 

The annexed table will exhibit the distance traveled 
by the funeral train that bore the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln from Washington city to Springfield, Illinois. 
The distance is also given between the different points 
at which the remains were taken from the train, in 
compliance with the desire of the people to do honor 
to the memory of the martyred President : 

MILES, 

From Washington to Baltimore 40 

" Baltimore via York to Havrisburg 84 

" Harrisburg to Philadelphia 107 

" Philadelphia via Trenton to New York 87 

" Kew York to Albany 142 

" Albany via Sclinectady, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester and 

Batavia to Buffalo 296 

" Bufl'alo Via Dunkirk and Erie to Cleveland 183 

" Cleveland via Crestline and Delaware to Columbus. . 138 



I 

i 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 127 

MILES. 

From Columbus ma TJrbaiia, Piqua, Greenville, Riclimoiid 

and Knightstown to Indianapolis 188 

" Indianapolis ma Lafayette and Michigan City to Chi- 
cago 212 

" Chicago ma Joliet, Clienoa aud Bloomington to Spring- 
field 185 

Total 1662 

It is but natural to expect that the very best that 
could be written would appear in those papers of Mr. 
Lincoln's own way of thinking in politics, and I have 
not thought it expedient to occupy much space with 
extracts from them ; but some of the finest articles 
appeared in papers that had always been opposed to 
him politically. In order to illustrate the feelings of 
men who did all they could to defeat his election, had 
always been opposed to his policy of administering the 
government, and yet were on terms of personal friend- 
ship with him, I give a few extracts from the Spring- 
field Daily JRerjister. It is an evening paper, and in its 
issue of April 15, 1865, after relating the news of the 
assassination, proceeds to say : 

" Just in the hour when the crowning triumph of his life awaited 
him; when the result for which he had labored and prayed for 
four 3'ears witli incessant toil, stood almost accomplished ; when 
he could begin clearly to see tlie promised land of his longings — 
the restored Union — even as Moses, from the top of Pisgah, looked 
fortli upon tlie Canaan he had for fort}-- 3^ears been striving to 
attain, the assassin's hand at once puts a rude period to his life 
and to his hopes. As Moses of old, who had led God's people 
through the gloom and danger of the wilderness, died when on 
the eve of realizing all that his hopes had pictured, so Lincoln is 
cut off just as the white wing of peace begins to reflect its silvery 
radiance over tlie red billows of war. It is hard for a great man 
to die, but donbly cruel that he should be cut off after such a ca- 
reer as that of him we mourn to-day. 



128 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

"Under tlie frown of tlie death angel, all evil passions and all 
party strife disappears. It is the President of the United States 
tlmt is suddenly cut down ; it is the whole people of tlie nation 
who are now bereaved. We forget the points of difference of the 
four years past, and think only of Abraham Lincoln, the kindly 
and indulgent man, beloved of his neighbors, and of the chief 
magistrate who has honestly followed the path that seemed to 
him best for the w^elfare of the people. We seek in vain the mo- 
tives which actuated the perpetration of this hideous crime. If 
a rebel, where will rebels look for a man who will judge them 
with more leniency, whose treatment will be more kindly, or who 
will receive them with a more catholic and forgiving spirit ? What 
living brain so thoroughly comprehends the present state of affairs, 
and is so well prepared for future exigencies as that which the bul- 
let of the murderer has forever stilled? * * * * * 

" The effect of this terrible blow can not now be estimated. Just 
when the nation seemed about to emerge from the gloom and dis- 
order which for four dreadful j'-ears — on the very anniversary of 
the day which commenced the civil w^ar, we are suddenly plunged 
into chaos again. We need not inquire whether another hand 
may at once be found to grasp the helm and steer the ship of State 
steadily and safely through the dangers that again thicken about 
her prow ; we all know" that to no eye save his was the chart he 
had mapped out in his own mind so clear, to no hands, however 
tried and skillful, can the management of our national vessel be 
thus suddenly entrusted with undoubting confidence. Lincoln 
had piloted her through the fiercest fury of the storm; no new 
pilot can now guide the ark of our hopes so clearl}^ even through 
the smooth waters of approaching peace. 

" No national calamity so serious as his death could have befallen 
us. The bitterest and most radical opponent of his administration 
can not fail to recognize, in the mere political bearing of the event, 
the terrible solemnity of the blow we have received. While we 
mourn the loss of the genial and kindly neighbor we knew so 
well, and mingle our tears and sympathies with those of his be- 
reaved family, we all feel alike keenly the fresh perils to which 
the nation is subjected. But tears and regrets are alike unavail- 
ing, and the crushing sense of this great sorrow is all we can now 
distinctly feel. We realize that the great Douglas has now a com- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 129 

panion in immortality, and that when the roil of statesmen whose 
genius has left its impress upon the destiny of the country shall 
be complete, no names will stand higher, or shine with purer lus- 
tre, than the two which blaze upon the escutcheon of Illinois. * * 
" The immediate effect of this appalling calamity upon the coun- 
try is sufficiently evident from the feeling in this city. Like a 
family whose head has been suddenly stricken down, the people 
of the Union are knit together by their common bereavement, 
and past discord and differences are instantly forgotten in the 
presence of this great sorrow. There is nothing that so smoothes 
down the asperities of our nature — nothing that so quickly oblit- 
erates the petty strife and ill feelings that are so often engendered 
among men as the grief occasioned by a great calamity such as 
this." 

The Register of April 18, says: 

" History has recorded no such scene of bloody terror. The 
murder of monarchs has been written. Csesar was slain in the 
Senate Chamber ; Gustavus was butchered in the ball room ; but 
these were usurpers and tyrants, not the chosen heads of a people, 
erapowered to select their rulers. And, O horrible! that he 
should have been assassinated when his best efforts to tranquilize 
the fears and fury of his people were so nearly realized. We are 
dumb with sorrow. 

"As is known. President Lincoln was not our first choice ; but 
we have watched his recent course and are convinced that his en- 
ergies were given to restore peace to the country and union to the 
nation. This beneficent conduct toward the South assures us that 
the southern people had no better friend in the north than the la- 
mented Lincoln. 



130 



THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER Xy. 



It will be remembered that, on the twenty-fourth 
day of April, a public meeting was held in Springfield, 
at which a committee was chosen to make arrange- 
ments for the sepulture of the remains of President 
Lincoln. It will also be borne in mind that the com- 
mittee resolved itself into a National Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association. 

A conditional contract had been made for a plat of 
ground on which to erect a monument, and the Avork 
of constructing a temporary vault, at the expense of 
the city, had been commenced. It was designed to be 
a resting place for the remains until the monument 
could be erected. By the men working night and day, 




(Fig. 1.) 

VAULT ON THE NEW STATE HOUSE GROUNDS. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



131 



through sunshine and rain, it was ready for use at the 
appointed time, although the work was not quite com- 
pleted on the outside. It was ascertained, on the 
morning of the fourth, that Mrs. Lincoln objected to 
the body of her husband being placed, even tempo- 
rarily, in the new vault, on account of the location 
of the grounds selected. She having expressed her 
preference for Oak Ridge Cemetery, it was in com- 
pliance with her wishes that the remains were taken 




(Fig. 2.) 

PUBLIC VAULT AT OAK RIDGE. 



there and deposited in the public receiving vault 
of the cemetery. The new vault was on the grounds 
that have since been purchased and donated by 
the city of Springfield to the State of Illinois, upon 
which the State is now erecting a Capitol, at an ex- 
pense of three and a half millions of dollars. The 
vault stood about fifty yards north of the new State 
House. A cenotaph should, and doubtless w^ill, be 



132 



THE GEEAT FUNERAL COETEGE, 



erected on the spot, after the edifice is completed and 
the grounds put in proper order. Figure No. 1 Avas 
engraved from a drawing of the vault, preserved by 
T. J. Dennis, who was at the time Mayor of the city. 

For several weeks after the remains were deposited 
in the public vault of the cemetery, ropes were ex- 
tended in front of it, and a guard of soldiers kept 
there day and night. This was done more as a mark 
of honor and respect, than from any fear that his tomb 
would be desecrated. Figure No. 2 was engraved from 
a photograph taken during that time. 

Soon after the remains of Mr. Lincoln and Willie 
were deposited in this vault, the following entries were 
made in the register kept by the sexton of Oak Ridge 
Cemetery : 



DATE OF 

lnterm't. 


NAME. 


CAUSE OP 
DEATH. 


PLACE OF 
BIKTH. 


REMARKS. 


May 4, 

1865. 

May 4, 
1865. 


Abraham 
Lincoln. 

Willie 
Lincoln. 


Assassinated. 


Kentucky. 
Springf'ld, 


Receiving 

Tomb. 
Removed 
from Wash- 
ington, D.C. 
Receiving 
Tomb. 



On the ninth of May, a call was sent out to all Sun- 
day schools, to take up collections the second Sabbath, 
and all public schools, the first Tuesday, in June. 

The Association was without legal authority until 
the eleventh of May, when it was established accord- 
ing to the laws of Illinois governing voluntary soci- 
eties, under the following 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. 

We, Richard J. Oglesb)^ Sharon Tyndale, O. H. Miner, James 
H. Beveridge, Newton Bateman, .John T. Stuart, Samuel H. Treat, 
Jesse K. Dubois, 0. M. Hatch, James C. Coukling, Thomas J. 



AlNl^ THE NATIONAL LINCOLN iNEONUAIENT. 133 

Denuis, Joliii Williams, Jacob Buan, S. H. Melvin and David L. 
Phillips, all being of full age, and citizens of the United States, 
and of the State of Illinois, certify that we do hereby associate our- 
selves under and by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of 
the State of Illinois, entitled " An act for the incorporation of 
Benevolent, Educational, Literary, Musical, Scientific and Mis- 
sionary societies, including societies formed for mutual improve- 
ment, or for the promotion of the arts," approved February 24, 
1859, by the following name, and for the purpose herein specified. 

ARTICLE I. 

This Association shall be called the " National Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association," and be located at Springfield, State of Illinois, 
and shall continue iu existence for the term of twenty years. 

ARTICLE XL 

The object of this Association shall be to construct a Monu- 
ment to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, in the city of Spring- 
field, State of Illinois. 

ARTICLE IIL 

The following persons shall be the Directors of the Association 
during the first year of its existence : Richard J. Oglesby, Sharon 
Tyndale, O. H. Miner, James H. Beveridge, Kewton Bateman, 
John T. Stuart, Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Match, James C. Conk- 
ling, Thomas J. Dennis, John Williams, Jacob Bunu, S. H. Melvin, 
Samuel H. Treat and David L. Phillips. 

In testimonj'- whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals, this eleventh day of May, 1865. 

Richard J. Oglesby, [seal.] Sharon Tyndale, [seal.] 
Orlin H. Miner, [se.\l.] Newton Bateman, [seal.] 

John T. Stuart, [seal.] S. H. Treat, [seal.] 

Jesse K. Dubois, [seal.] O. M. Hatch, [seal.] 

James C. Conkling, [seal.] S. H. Melvin, [seal.] 

John Williams, [seal.] James H. Beveridge, [seal.] 

Jacob Bunn, [seal.] Thomas J. Dennis, [seal.] 

David L. Phillips, [seal.] 

These gentlemen were nearly all occupying high 
official positions at the time, or had previously been. 
The first fiye named in the preamble were, respectively, 



134 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

Governor, Secretary, Auditor, Treasurer and Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois 
at the time. Mr. Stuart was the preceptor and first 
law partner of Abraham Lincoln, an ex-member of the 
U. S. House of Representatives, and is yet one of 
the leading lawyers of Central Illinois ; Mr. Treat 
has been for many years, and is yet, a Judge of the 
IT. S. Court for Illinois ; Mr. Dubois is an ex-member 
of the State Legislature, ex-receiver of the U. S. Land 
Office, ex-Auditor of State, etc., etc. ; Mr. Hatch is an 
ex-Secretary of State, and a man of wealth and influ- 
ence ; Mr. Conkling is an ex-jNIayor of Springfleld, ex- 
member of the State Legislature, a leading lawyer, 
capitalist, and public spirited citizen ; Mr. Dennis was 
at the time Mayor of the city, and is one of the fore- 
most architects in the west ; Mr. AVilliams and Mr. 
Bunn are, respectively, at the head of two among the 
oldest and most wealthy banking houses in the city ; 
Dr. Melvin is a prominent merchant, banker and rail- 
road man ; Mr. Phillips was then United States Mar- 
shal for the Southern District of Illinois. All of them 
had long been on terms of personal friendship and in- 
timacy with Abraham Lincoln. 

On the day the Association took a legal form, the 
Board of Directors organized by electing 

Governor Richard J. Oglesby, President. 

Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Vice President. 

Clinton L. Conkling, Secretary. 

Hon. James H. Beveridge, Treasurer. 

A code of by laAvs was adopted, agents appointed to 
collect funds, agricultural and horticultural societies 
called on to contribute, and the Treasurer directed to 
invest funds — which were already beginning to reach 
the treasury — in United States securities. Until June, 
it was the intention of the Association to erect the 
monument on the plat of ground where the first vault 
had been built, not doubting that Mrs. Lincoln would 
give her consent to that arrangement, on a deliberate 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 135 

consideration of the subject. In a letter to the Asso- 
ciation, dated at Chicago, June fifth, Mrs. Lincohi still 
objected to that location. On the fourteenth day of the 
month, it was decided by a majority of one, in a full 
Board of Directors, to build the Monument in Oak 
Ridge Cemetery. Six acres of land were donated by 
the city of Springfield, and conveyed to the Asssocia- 
tion as a site for the Monument. 

Measures were at once taken to erect a temporary 
vault, near that belonging to the cemetery. The 
object in building a temporary vault, was that the 
remains might be deposited there until the Monu- 
ment could be completed, and thus vacate the public 
vault. The temporary vault was completed before 
winter, and a notice given to Mrs. Lincoln, at Chi- 
cago, that the Association was ready to remove the 
body of her late husband; that it would be done with- 
out public display, and asked her to name the time 
that it would be convenient for her to be present. She 
replied, saying that December 21, at three o'clock p. m., 
would suit her. A day or two previous to the time 
fixed for the removal, Mrs. Lincoln, with her son Rob- 
ert, came to Springfield, and visited the new tomb. 
She expressed herself well pleased with what had been 
done, but a sudden indisposition prevented her being 
present when the removal took place. In process of 
transferring the remains, the box containing the coffin 
was openecl, in order that the features of the deceased 
might be seen, and six of his personal acquaintances 
filed a written statement with the Secretary of the 
Association, that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln 
beyond a doubt. This was deemed advisable, to 
keep the evidence of identity unbroken through the 
changes necessary to be made before the completion of 
his final resting place. 

Mr. Lincoln had one son who died in childhood, 
many years ago, and Avas buried in Hutchinson ceme- 
tery, near the city. His body was removed to the tem- 



136 



THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



porary vault also, and it then contained the bodies of 
the father and two sons, Eddie and Willie. Edward 
was named for Col. E. D. Baker — who was killed at 
Ball's Bhiff — between whom and Mr. Lincoln the 
warmest friendship always existed. I must digress 
here, to say that I have been informed by one who 
knows, that in one of the finest cemeteries of San 
Francisco, the grave of that pure and eloquent states- 
man and brave soldier, is the only one that is neglected. 
Is there no lover of free institutions, and admirer of 
genius in that city, who will see that the stain is re- 
moved ? 

Figure No. 3 was engraved from a photograph of 
the temporary vault. It stood on the brow of the 
hill, about fifty yards northeast of the monument. It 
was removed late in the autumn of 1871, and the site 
where it stood graded down about fifteen feet. 

Early in 1868, the Association advertised a '^Notice 
to Artists," offering |1000 for the best design for a 
monument, with the usual conditions, and named the 




(Fig. 8.) 

TEMPORAllY VAULT AT OAK EIDGE. 



AND THE XATIOXAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 137 

first of September as the day for the examination. 
Thirty-seven designs, by thirty-one artists — six of them 
sending two each — were received and placed on exhi- 
bition in the Senate Ceamber. 

They came from the following States : Illinois — 
Chicago, John AYesley Hooper, Henry L. Gay, H. 
Schroff, Cochrane & Piquenard, one each, and from 
L. W. Volk, two ; Mattoon, J. E. Hummell, one ; 
Bloomington, J. R. & J. S. Haldeman, one ; Qnincy, 
C. G. Valk, two ; Springfield, Joseph Baum and E. E. 
Myers, one each, making a total of twelve. Wisconsin — 
Milwaukee, N. Merrill, tw^o. Iowa — Jefferson, Henry 
Goodman, one. Indiana — Logansport, William Em- 
mett, and Indianapolis, J. H. Vrydagh, one each. 
Ohio — Toledo, W. H. Macher, one, and Cincinnati, 
Thomas D. Jones, two. Massachusetts — Boston, C. B. 
Odiorne and Miss Harriet E. Hosmer, one each. Dis- 
trict of Columbia — Washington, INIiss Vinnie Ream, 
one. Kentucky — Louisville, M. S. Belknap, one. 
Missouri — St. Louis, J. Beattie, Charles Bullitt, R. H. 
Follenius, IMcLaren & Baldwin, one each. New York — 
Brooklyn, Horwan & Maurer, two. Pcnnsvlvania — 
Philadelphia, J. H. Bailey & H. H. Lovie, A. E. Har- 
wicke, J. H. Hazeltine, E. N. Scherr, one each. Con- 
necticut — Hartford, J. G. Batterson, one. Vermont — 
Brattleboro, Larkin G. Mead, Jr., two ; making a total 
of thirty-seven. 

Some of these designs would have cost a million dol- 
lars each to put them into execution. Five days were 
occupied in studying them, when the board adjourned 
to meet again on the tenth of the month. They re- 
assembled on the tenth, and continued to the eleventh, 
when it was 

Resolved, That this Association adopt the des.igu — one of them — 
submitted by Larkin G. Mead, Jr., to be constructed of granite 
and bronze, and tliat the whole matter be referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee, with power to act. 



138 

Those voting In the affirmative were, Bateman, Bev- 
eridge, Bunn, Conkling, Dennis, Dubois, Hatch, Mel- 
vin, Miner, Stnart, Treat, Williams and Phillips. In 
the negative, Mr. Tyndale. Absent or not voting, 
Gov. Oglesby. 

The Association then entered into a contract with 
Mr. Mead, to erect the monument, together with the 
statuary, and all the accessories necessary to the fulfil- 
ment of the design. It was soon after ascertained that 
it was Mr. Mead's intention to let the contract for the 
architectural part of the work and return to Italy, 
where he had been residing for several years. Then it 
w^as mutually agreed to annul the existing contract, 
and a new one was entered into on the thirtieth of De- 
cember, in which it was stipulated that the Association 
was to manage the building of the architectural part 
of the monument, and that it should be done strictly 
after the drawings and specihcations of Mr. Mead. 
On his part, Mr. Mead was to mould, cast and deliver 
all the statuary required by and necessary to his design, 
namely. 

1. A statute of Lincoln, not less than ten feet high, 
for $13,700. 

2. A group representing infontry, containing three 
figures and appropriate accessories, the figures to be 
not less than seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 

3. A group of cavalry, to contain a horse and two 
human figures, with appropriate accessories, the human 
figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, 
and the horse in proportion, for the sum of $13,700. 

4. A group of artillery, to contain three figures and 
appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than 
seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 

5. A marine group, to contain three figures and ap- 
propriate accessories, the figures to be not less than 
seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 

6. The coat of arms of the United States, as shown 
in the specifications, for $1,500, making a total of 
$70,000. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 139 

It was a part of the contract, that the Association 
was to have the right to order one or more of these 
pieces or groups at a time, to suit its own convenience, 
and that it was not under obligations to pay for any 
piece until a written order was given for the work to 
proceed. When a written order Avas given, one-third 
of the stipulated price was to accompany it, one-third 
to be paid when the plaster model was delivered at the 
foundry where it was to be cast, and the remaining 
third when the work was completed and delivered in 
good order, at Springfield, Illinois. It was also stipu- 
lated in the contract, that if cannon were donated to 
be used in the statuary, the value thereof should be 
deducted from the price. It was further agreed, that 
if any donations of freight were made, it should be to 
the Association, and not to Mr. Mead. 

On the back of this contract, Mr. Mead gave the 
signatures of five business men of New York city, 
binding themselves in the penal sum of ^5,000 each, 
for the faithful performance of the contract on his 
part. A note, also an the back of this contract, over 
the signature of John J. Cisco, of New York, ex- 
presses the opinion that the bond is good and suffi- 
cient. 

On the seventh day of May, 1869, the Board of 
Directors, under the above contract, instructed the 
Executive Committee to order the statue of Lincoln 
and the coat of arms of the United States, and to ac- 
company the order with one third of the money, as per 
contract. 

After advertising for proposals to erect the monu- 
ment — excepting the statuary — and receiving five or 
six bids, that of W. D. Richardson, of Springfield, was 
accepted. A contract was then entered into, between 
the Association and Mr. Richardson, in which he 
agreed to erect the National Lincoln Monument, in 
Oak Ridge Cemetery, according to the plans and speci- 
fications adopted by the Association, for the sum of 



140 

1136.550. He was to build the foundation during the 
year 1869, and the superstructure by January 1, 1871. 
The Association agreed to pay Mr. Richardson the 
sum above named, and for the purpose designated, by 
monthly estimates as the work progressed, fifteen per 
cent of which was to be withheld until the w^ork was 
completed according to contract, when the total amount 
remaining should be paid. Mr. Richardson gave am- 
])le security, under a penalty of |50,000, for the faith- 
ful performance of the contract on his part. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 141 



CHAPTER XVI 



Arrangements having previously been made, the 
the Board of Directors held a special meeting in Oak 
Kidge Cemetery, September 9, 1869. After calling 
the roll, a brief but fervent prayer was offered by Rev. 
Albert Hale, invoking God's blessing on the work they 
were about to commence. The president of the Asso- 
ciation being absent, the vice president, Hon. Jesse K. 
Dubois, at the request of the board, made the follow- 
ing statement of the financial condition of the Associa- 
tion : 

U. S. 5-20 bonds, on special deposit with J. Bimn $66,300 00 

Premium on said bonds, at present value 13,260 00 

Cash in bank 2,023 46 

Notes on individuals 80 00 

Illinois State bonds, on special deposit with J. Bunn. . 17,000 00 

Illinois State appropriation 50,000 00 

Estimated value of cannon donated by Congress 5,000 00 

Paid to Larkin G. Mead on contract for statuary 5,000 00 

Total assets $158,663 46 

Mr. Dubois also made a statement of all the con- 
tracts entered into by the Association, in consequence 
of which the following liabilities were incurred : 

To W. D. Richardson, for building monument $136,550 00 

To Larkin Gr. Mead, for statute of Lincoln and coat of 
arms 15,200 00 

Total liabilities $151,750 00 

Balance, after meeting all liabilities $6,913 46 



142 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Mr. Dubois said that, if no misfortune befel the 
Association, it could, by January 1, 1871, have the 
monument completed, except the four groups of statu- 
ary, and be out of debt, with a small balance in the 
treasury. He expressed the hope that the American 
people, or separate States or cities, Avould furnish the 
means to pay for the remaining groups of statuary, 
that the monument might stand complete and sym- 
metrical, a fitting emblem of the character and virtues 
of the man it was designed to honor. 

Vice President Dubois closed his statement by say- 
ing : ^' In obedience to the order of your board, and 
to testify their and my approbation of all that has been 
done, it is my pleasure now to begin the w^ork, by 
throwing out the first shovelful of earth." 

INIr. Richardson had his materials on the ground, 
and before winter closed in, had the foundation com- 
pleted, doing all his contract required for the year 1869. 

When the work was about to commence, the Asso- 
ciation reorganized its Executive Committee, so that it 
was composed of the Hon. John T. Stuart, Jacob Bunn 
and John Williams. 

Mr. Stuart, as previously intimated, was the preceptor 
of Abraham Lincoln, in the study of the law, and fur- 
nished him the library for that purpose. They were 
also partners in practice from 1837 to 1840, when the 
partnership Avas dissolved, in consequence of Mr. Stuart 
being elected to a seat in the United States House of 
Representatives. 

I shall now endeavor to describe the monument. 
The excavation for the central part, or that on Avhich 
the main shaft rises, is twenty-three and a half feet 
deep, and seventeen feet square. The bottom of the 
excavation is filled Avith concrete, the Avhole seventeen 
feet square, to the depth of eight feet. (See Fig. 7.) On 
this concrete, the AAdiole seventeen feet square is built up 
Avith solid masonry of block stone, to a height of thirty- 
nine feet and four inches. The stone is all dressed 



AXD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXUMEXT. 143 

true and square, and is very heavy, some of the pieces 
weighing several tons each. The excavations for all 
the outer walls and piers are six feet deep. The walls 
commence with two feet depth of concrete. There is 
a round pier, fifteen feet in diameter — at the bottom — 
at each of the four corners of the central shaft. These 
piers are built up to a height of twenty-eight feet and 
four inches above the ground line, and are tapered to 
form a pedestal of eleven feet diameter at the top. 
. There are three straight walls on each side of the 
central shaft, parallel Avith its sides, and at equal dis- 
tances from each other. These walls are all joined to 
the round piers. The central shaft, pedestals, and 
Avails touching the pedestals, form a square of fifty-four 
feet, Avith rounded corners. There is another wall out- 
side of all these, nearly ten feet distant, the AA'hole form- 
ing a square of seventy-two feet six inches. In addi- 
tion to these AA^alls, there is an oval room thirty-tAA'o 
and a half feet long and tAventy-four feet Avide, in the 
clear. About half of it projects from the south side, 
and the other half extends inward, nearly to the base 
of the obelisk. This room is called Memorial Hall, 
and is designed to be a repository for articles used by, 
or in any Avay associated AA'ith the memory of Abraham 
Lincoln. Memorial Hall is finished on the inside Avith 
planed Hlinois stone, and the floor is of the same ma- 
terial. It is entered from the ground, by a door at 
the south side. (See Fig. 4.) 

At the north side, there is a projection similar to 
that of Memorial Hall. It is an exact half circle on 
the interior, being twenty-four feet AA'ide by twelve feet 
deep, and is called the Vestibule to the Catacomb. It 
is finished on the inside similar to Memorial Hall, ex- 
cept that the floor is of black and AA'hite marble. It is 
entered from the ground, by a door at the north side. 

The ground plan is one hundred and nineteen and a 
half feet from north to south, and seA'enty two and a 
half feet from east to Avest. The AA^alls shoAAm in Fig- 



144 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 




(Fig. 4.) 

GROUND PLAN OF THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



AND TI-IE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 145 

lire 4 are all fourteen feet and four inclies high. Arches 
are sprung from one to another at the top, and heavy 
iron beams or joists, with flanges on the lower edge, 
are laid across Memorial Hall and the Catacomb. 
Arches are sprang from one of these beams to another, 
beginning on the flanges at the bottom of the iron 
beams. The upper part of this series of arches is 
brought to an even surface by filling the depressions 
with concrete. On top of this, embedded in cement, 
is a covering of immense slabs of Illinois stone, planed 
to a uniform thickness of about eight inches, which 
brings the whole area of seventy-two and a half feet 
square, and the half circular projections over Memorial 
Hall and the Catacomb, up to fifteen feet ten inches in 
height. Figure 5 is an illustration of this area, which 
is called the Terrace. 

You can ascend to the Terrace by either of four 
flights of granite steps, one at each corner. The two 
on the south land over Memorial Hall, and the two at 
the north over the Catacomb. The flagging stone that 
makes the Terrace, and at the same time a roof for 
everything below, is laid with sufficient inclination 
outward to carry off* the water. 

A heavy granite balustrade ascends on the outside 
of each stairway, and is extended so as to form a para- 
pet around the Terrace and over the Catacomb and 
Memorial Hall. A small section of the parapet may 
be seen on each end of Figure 7. 

On entering the vestibule to the Catacomb — Figure 
6 — you will observe five crypts, side by side, and ele- 
vated about three feet above the floor. They are sim- 
ply openings in the wall, about three feet square and 
seven feet deep. The central crypt is closed by a 
marble tablet, with a heavy piece of plate glass of oval 
form in the centre, and the other four have each a stone 
neatly fitted to the opening, and made air tight by ce- 
ment. Figure 6 is an elevation of the crypts. 

10 



146 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE^ 




iNii'i'',! I SCALE TWENTY FOUF; FT, TO ONE INCF 



I 'liK iiiilliii: ^Jr- i' ! 

1 :^^ssyc] ' 




(Fig. 5.) 

THE TERRACE. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 147 




(Fig. 6.) 

ELEVATION OF THE CRYPTS. 



The Catacomb and Memorial Hall are each lighted 
by six openings, and each opening is designed to be 
closed b}^ a single piece of plate glass, when necessary. 

The central shaft, being seventeen feet sqnare at the 
bottom, as it rises is reduced to twelve feet square on 
the outside, at the top of the Terrace, and tapers to 
eight feet square at the apex, ninety-eight feet four and 
a half inches from the ground. The outside is dressed 
granite, and the inside hard burned brick. The shaft, 
or obelisk, is hollow from the terrace to the top, eighty- 
two and a half feet. The opening is six feet in diame- 
ter, and perfectly round. Fastenings were built in the 
Avail, as the work progressed, for the support of a cir- 
cular iron stairway, wdiich ascends from the entrance, 
over the Terrace, as shown in Figure 5, and ends in a 
platform of iron, just near enough the cap stone to 
leave convenient room for standing erect. Each step 
is fastened to the wall by two iron bolts, the other 
end is attached to a central iron shaft, wdiich extends 
from bottom to top. Figure 7 presents an interior view 
of the construction of the stairway. 



148 

One-third of the way from the Terrace to the top, 
there is a circular windoAV, one foot in diameter, on 
each of the four sides. Two-thirds of the way up, 
there are four similar windows. At the top, and at a 
convenient height to stand on the platform and look 
out, there are twelve of these windows, three on each 
side. Each one was intended to have been closed by a 
single piece of plate glass, three-fourths of an inch 
thick, but it has been found necessary thus far to leave 
them open, to afford ventilation as well as light. 

The study of Figure 7 will enable the reader to un- 
derstand the interior construction of the monument 
better than a written description only. 

It is as though the monument was cut exactly through 
the centre, from north to south, and you were standing 
at the west, facing the east, and looking at the eastern 
half. You see how the arches are sprung from one 
wall to another, to support the stone flagging which 
forms the Terrace. The south end, or that to the right, 
shows the interior of Memorial Hall, and the north end, 
or that to the left, shows the interior of the Catacomb, 
without any attempt to illustrate the crypts. The let- 
ter S indicates that the material used is stone, and the 
letter B, brick. It will be observed that the founda- 
tion of the obelisk is sunk much deeper than the other 
walls. The spiral stairway is seen commencing on a 
level with the Terrace. A small section of the granite 
parapet, which extends around the Terrace, is seen at 
each end of the cut. The small dark spots in Memorial 
Hall and the Catacomb, are the small windows previ- 
ously described. The elevation at the south side is a 
profile of the pedestal for the statue of Lincoln. It is 
thirty-five and a half feet above the ground line, and 
nineteen feet eight inches above the Terrace. 

In preparing the granite for the monument, a series 
of ashlars, two feet by two feet nine inches, are so 
dressed that each presents the appearance of a raised 



AND THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 149 




150 

shield. The names of the States are engraved on these 
shields. The shortest are given in full, and the longest 
abbreviated. These shields form a part of the wall, 
aroand the entire base, and, the four pedestals, alter- 
nating with an ashlar of the same size. On each of 
these alternating ashlars, are two raised bands, running 
liorizontally, giving to the States the appearance of 
being linked together, as it were, by an endless chain. 
The body of the granite is dressed to a true surface, 
and the bands and letters are polished. To complete 
a course around the edifice, there were three more 
shields than the whole number of States. These three 
are built in at the east side, and left blank, ready to 
receive the names of any States that may hereafter be 
admitted. (See Fig. 10.) 

The following is the order in which the States are 
placed, beginning on the east side, at the right of the 
blanks, and continuing to the right around the monu- 
ment. The names of tlie original thirteen States are 
first given, and tlien the newer States, iu the chrono- 
logical order of their admission into the Union. As 
the names of the States are all abbreviated, except 
two, I first give the abbreviation exactly as it is on the 
stone, and immediately follow it with the name in full. 

Va. for Virginia ; N. Y. New York ; INIass. Massa- 
chusetts ; N." H. New Hampshire ; N. J. New Jersey ; 
Del. Delaware ; Conn. Connecticut ; Md. Marvland ; 
R. I. Rhode Island; N. C. North Carolina/ S. C. 
South Carolina ; Penn. Pennsylvania ; Ga. Georgia ; 
Vt. Vermont; Ky. Kentucky; Tenn. Tennessee ; Ohio; 
La. Louisiana ; Ind. Indiana ; Miss. Mississppi ; Ills. 
Illinois ; Ala. Alabama ; Me. Maine ; Mo. Missouri ; 
Ark. Arkansas ; Mich. Michigan ; Tex. Texas ; Fla. 
Florida ; Iowa ; Wis. Wisconsin ; Cal. California ; 
Minn. Minnesota ; On. Oregon ; Kan. Kansas; W. Va. 
West Virginia ; Nev. Nevada ; Neb. Nebraska ; ending 
at the left of the three blank shields. 

This cordon of States is twenty-three feet above the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 151 

ground, seven feet above the Terrace, and three feet 
below the top of the pedestals on which the four 
groups of statuary are to stand, previously described 
as representing the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and 
the Xavy. The names of the States, as above described, 
and 

LINCOLN', 

in raised letters on the front of the pedestal for his 
statue, constitute the Avhole of the inscriptions on the 
monument. Figure 8 is a view of one of the four 
round pedestals. 




(Fig. 8.) 

KOUXD PEDESTAL 



This is one of the four for the support of the groups 
of statuary, and is situated at the southwest corner of 
the monument, showing that part of it above the Ter- 
race. The tablets are all of the same size, but the 
pedestal being round, as it recedes, Missouri, on the 



152 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

right, and Illinois, on the left, are apparently dimin- 
ished in width. The left edge of the tablet — 111. — 
forms the inside of the corner, as it joins the square 
base of the obelisk, which brings Mississippi on a 
straight surface. The bands or links connecting the 
tablets are well illustrated. 



(Fig. 9.) 

U. S. COAT OF ARMS. 

The statue of Mr. Lincoln will stand, as previously 
described, on a pedestal projecting from the south side 
of the obelisk, seven feet above the four pedestals. 
The pedestal for the statue of Lincoln is to have the 
L^nited States coat of arms, in bronze, sunk in a recess 
on its front. The coat of arms, as shown in Figure 9, 
is somewhat modified, and is in bas relief. 

It will be observed that the shield, with part of the 



AKD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 153 

stars obscured, supports the American Eagle. The 
olive branch on the ground shows, that having been 
tendered until it was spurned by the rebels, it was 
then cast under foot. Then the conflict began, and 
raged until the chain of slavery was torn asunder, one 
part remaining grasped in the talons of the eagle, and 
the other held aloft in his beak. The coat of arms, 
in the position it occupies on the monument, is intended 
to typify the Constitution of the United States. Mr. Lin- 
coln, on the pedestal above it, makes the whole an illus- 
tration of his position at the outbreak of the rebellion. 
He took his stand on the Constitution, as his authority 
for using the four arms of the war power of the Gov- 
ernment — the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and the 
IN^avy, which are to be represented in groups around 
him — to hold together the States, which are represented 
still lower on the monument, by a cordon of tablets, 
linking them together, as it were, in a perpetual bond 
of Union. 

The statue of Lincoln is the central figure in the 
group, or series of groups. There is nothing visible, 
on all the exterior, except granite and bronze. You 
enter the shaft, or obelisk, on a level with the Terrace, 
at the south side, under the statue of Lincoln, and 
ascend the spiral stairway seventy-seven feet, which 
brings you to the platform at the top, previously de- 
scribed. The floor of this platform is made of iron, 
and is ninety-two feet from the ground. The monu- 
ment being on almost as high ground as any within 
several miles of the city, affords a fine prospect of 
Springfield and the surrounding country. Figure 10 
is an accurate representation of tlie monument from 
the southeast, as it will appear when completed, and as 
it now appears, with the exception of the statuary. 
The door on the ground is the entrance to Memorial 
Hall ; that on the Terrace, the entrance to the obelisk. 
The Catacomb is on the opposite side^ and consequently 



154 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 




(Fig. 10.) 

jS'ATIOXAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 155 

does not appear in this picture, but it is entered by a 
door on tlie ground, the same as that to Memorial Hall. 
In order to make it more easily understood, I will 
recapitulate the dimensions. The base is seventy-two 
and a half feet square, and with the circular projection 
of the Catacomb on the north, and Memorial Hall on 
the south, the extreme length on the ground from north 
to south is one hundred and nineteen and a half feet. 
Height of tlie Terrace, fifteen feet ten inches. From 
the Terrace to the apex of the Obelisk, eighty-two feet 
six and a half inches. From the grade line to the top 
of the four round pedestals, twenty-eight feet four 
inches, and to the top of the pedestal for the Lincoln 
statue, thirty-five and a half feet. Total height from 
ground line to apex of Obelisk, ninety-eight feet four 
and a half inches. The above measurements were 
taken by T. J. Dennis in January, 1872. 



156 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTER Xyil 



I have said that Memorial Hall would be the recep- 
tacle for articles that had been used by Mr. Lincoln, 
or in any way associated with his memory. There is 
a stone built in the wall on the inside of Memorial 
Hall, which will furnish food for reflection to all lovers 
of liberty, but to those whose meditative faculties are 
fully develo]:>ed, it will be a rich feast. 

All historians are aware that much of the early his- 
tory of Rome is obscure and traditional, and that some 
of her reputed rulers are regarded, by a portion of the 
early historical writers, as mere creatures of the imag- 
ination, whilst others who are entitled to equal cre- 
dence, regard what is related of them as, in the main, 
true. 

Taking all the light that can be obtained on the sub- 
ject, the following is thought to be a correct version 
of the life of Servius TuUius : He is said to have been 
the sixth king of Rome. It is stated that he ascended 
the throne 578 years before the birth of Christ. He 
was of obscure origin, and his history mingled with 
pagan mythology. It is intimated that one or both of 
his parents were slaves. The policy of his reign was 
to better the condition of the common people by every 
means he could devise, and to raise them to an equality 
with their rulers, so far as the right to life and prop- 
erty was concerned. It is even asserted that he was 
aiming to qualify them to be their own rulers, with a 
view to abolishiug the kingly office. He discharged 
the debts of his indigent subjects from his own private 
revenues, and deprived the creditor of the power of 
seizing the body of the debtor, restricting him to the 
goods and chattels for the liquidation of his claims. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 157 

At the time his reign commenced, the city was com- 
posed of but four hills : the Palatine, the Tarpeian — 
now called the Capitoline — the Aventine and the Cselian. 
The king manifested his public spirit by adding the 
Viminal,the Esquiline and the Quirinal, making Rome, 
at that ancient date, the city of the seven hills. Hav- 
ing enlarged its boundaries, he enclosed it with a stone 
wall which was ever after called by his own name. His 
reign was eminently peaceful and tempered with kind- 
ness and benevolence. In his efforts to ameliorate the 
condition of the common people, and confer upon them 
the right to take part in the affairs of the State, thus, 
for the first time, making them politically independent, 
he established a constitution for their government. 

Already jealous of his love for the common people, 
this last act of the king aroused all the latent malig- 
nity of the wealthy classes, or those claiming to be the 
nobility, and they determined upon his destruction. 
He had no sons, but two daughters, both of whom 
were married. His daughter Tullia put her husband 
to death. Lucius Tarquinius, who had married the 
other daughter, put her to death and then took her sis- 
ter Tullia to wife. Tarquinius plotted with the nobles, 
and at the head of an armed mob, in the summer, when 
the commoners were gathering their harvests, he entered 
the forum and seated himself on the throne. The king, 
unconscious of danger, while going from one part of 
the city to another, Avas struck down and assassinated 
in the streets by some of the followers of his treacher- 
ous and ungrateful son-in-law. His body was left 
where it fell until the chariot of his daus^hter Tullia 
was driven over it by her own directions. Thus passed 
away king Servius Tullius, 538 years before the birth 
of Christ, in the fortieth year of his reign. 

What were called the walls of Servius Tullius, were 
the walls of Rome for about 700 years, or until the 
reign of the Emperor Aurelius, which commenced in 
the year 138 of the Christian era. 



158 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The constitution a'iven to the Roman people by Scr- 
vius Tullius, and which is believed to be historical, 
never came into force, but was swept away with all his 
otlier reforms, soon after his successor ascended the 
throne. Instead of the happy condition in Avhich the 
good king hoped and labored to place the Roman peo- 
])le, they were plunged into the deepest abyss of woe 
by Tarquinius, whose oppressions of the poor were so 
great that many slew themselves, and the historians say, 
that ''in the days of Tarquinius, the tyrant, it was hap- 
pier to die than to live/' 

During all the centuries of oppression and tyranny 
through ^vhich Rome has grown hoary, there has been 
a chosen few Avho loved liberty and justice. When 
suffering under the oppressions of the aristocratic class- 
es, they have kept alive by their traditions, as objects 
of fond regret, the memory of the just laws of king 
Servius Tullius. 

Some of these Roman patriots evidently watched 
with intense interest for four long and weary years, tlie 
struggle in the new world, between liberty on the one 
side and tyranny and oppression on the other. They 
saw it terminate in the destruction of the slave power, 
and the elevation of four millions of the oppressed and 
downtrodden of the human family, to a equal right 
with all other men — to life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness. They kept their eyes steadily fixed on the 
man whose head and heart and hands wielded the power 
of the great liberty loving nation to consummate these 
grand achievements. They believed that they saw in 
him an embodiment of all the virtues of their ancient 
king, whose memory they so fondly cherished. 

After his election as President of the United States 
for the second time, and in order to show their appre- 
ciation of his character, and the parallel between the 
li\ es of Abraham Lincoln and Servius Tullius, these 
Roman patriots took from a fragment of the wall, where 
it had been placed by human hands more than two 



AXD THE NATIOXAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



159 



thousand four hundred years before, a stone, and pUiced 
upon it an inscription and sent it as a memorial to 
President Lincohi. Figure 11 is a fae simile of the 
stone, with its inscription. It was engraved from a 
photograph, taken for the purpose after its arrival in 
tSpringfield. 



mMm^i^m^m^^':::-^-^jrf^'-'^''^''^.:^^m 



iwmi\\[ \ 



r 




(Fig. n.) 

STONE FROM THE WALL OP SERYIUS TULLIUS. 



The following is a translation of the inscription : 

" To Abraham Lincoln, President for tlie second time, of the 
Amei-Jcaii Kcpnhlic, citizens of Rome present this stone, from the 
wall of Serviiis Tnlliiis, by wliich the memory of eacli of those 
brave assertors of liberty may be associated. Anno, 1865." 

It is a conglomerate sandstone, and Prof. Worthen, 
State Geologist for Illinois, says that it is possibly an 
artificial one. It is twenty-seven and a half inches 
long, nineteen inches wide, and eight and three-quarter 
inches thick. The lower edge and the side which bears 
the inscription are dressed true ; the opposite side 



160 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

shows the unevenness peculiar to the natural surface 
of a stone — tlie upper edge and both ends are broken 
as if done with a hammer. 

By authority of tlie Hon. Shelby M. Cullom and the 
Congressional Records, I give the following as the 
American history of the stone : Something like a year 
after the assassination of President Lincoln, it was dis- 
covered in the basement of the Executive mansion, 
where it had been run over, covered with rubbish and 
somewhat defaced. The attention of President John- 
son was called to it, and he caused diligent search to be 
made by the clerks of the Executive mansion, to ascer- 
tain if any letters had been received giving a clue as to 
how or when it came. Not a word of anything con- 
nected with it could be found, and all that is positively 
known of its history is the inscription it bears on its 
face ; yet no person acquainted with the circumstances 
doubts that it really came from the wall of Servius 
Tullius at Rome. 

It is barely possible that it arrived before the assas- 
sination of President Lincoln, but it is not believed 
that it did, or that he ever saw it. When the stone 
was discovered it was removed to the Capitol and 
placed in a crypt in the basement, still depriving the 
public of any opportunity to see it. Early in June, 
1870, a joint resolution was introduced into the House 
of Representatives at Washington, instructing the 
architect of the Capitol to transfer it to an appropriate 
place in a conservatory of the United States Botanical 
Gardens. Upon its coming before the House, Mr. Cul- 
lom moved the following substitute : ^^ Strike out all 
after the enacting clause and insert that the architect 
of the Capitol be, and he is hereby directed to cause 
the stone presented to the late Abraham Lincoln by 
the patriots of Rome, to be transferred to the posses- 
sion of the National Lincoln Monument Association, 
at Springfield, Illinois, to be placed by said Association 
in the monument now being erected to the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln/^ 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 161 

In a brief speech Mr. Ciillom presented some very 
forcible reasons why the stone shonkl be placed in the 
monument, and wlien he closed, the resolution Avas 
adopted. Passing both houses, this action of Congress 
was completed on the 17th of June. The stone was 
boxed and shipped to this city and placed in the office 
of Vice President Dubois Sept. 15, 1870, where it re- 
mained until August, 1871, when it was built into the 
east Avail on the interior of Memorial Hall. 

That stone Avas prepared and shipped to Abraham 
Lincoln because his life had thus far been similar to that 
of SerA^us Tullius. Both sprang from the common peo- 
ple ; both, in their official capacity, did all they could 
to elevate and improA^e the condition of the common 
people ; both incurred the hatred of those claiming to be 
the nobility, because they Avere of and for the common 
people ; and both Avere assassinated because they Avere 
endeavoring so to administer their respectiA^e gOA^ern- 
nients, as to increase the freedom, happiness and pros- 
perity of the common people. Little did those Avho 
put the inscription on that stone think that the paral- 
lel in the lives of those Iavo rulers Avould so soon be 
complete, even to the closing tragedy of assassination. 
The death of our martyred President sealed the right to 
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to every human 
being on American soil ; but it required tAA'enty-four 
centuries for the blood of SerA^ius Tullius to produce 
its legitimate fruits, in severing the manacles Avhich 
held in bondage the Roman people. King Victor 
Emanuel is deserving of all honor for the part he has 
taken in their elevation ; but they must make another 
stride by educating the masses until they are prepared 
to set aside a kingly government for that of a republic, 
and then they Avill be acting in the true spirit of their 
ancient ruler. 

There is no beauty in that stone to make it attract- 
iA^e, but the association of ideas that cluster around it 
will ahvays cause it to be an object of interest. Dur- 
\l 



162 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

ing the time that has elapsed since it was placed by 
human hands in the wall surrounding the city of Rome, 
continents have been discovered ; empires have risen 
and fallen ; and more than seventy generations of hu- 
man beings have sprung from the earth, acted their 
busy parts and sunk back into its bosom. Servius 
Tullius at the beginning and Abraham Lincoln at the 
close of that long period of time, were influenced by 
the same spirit of humanity. Both loved and trusted 
the common people, and both were loved and trusted 
in return ; and because of that mutual love, both were 
assassinated by the minions of tyranny and oppression. 
The object of the Roman patriots is attained — the names 
of " those brave assertors of liberty '' are and will be 
associated from this time henceforth. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 163 



CHAPTER XYIII. 



In the preceding chapters I have endeavored to de- 
scribe the appearance which the structure will present 
when completed. We will now see what has really 
been done, Mr. Mead, who is a sculptor by profession, 
does not pretend to be an architect. After studying 
out the general design for the Monument, he secured 
the services of Mr. Russell Sturgis, Jr., Secretary of 
the American Institute of Architects, located in New 
York city, to prepare his drawings, and after they were 
completed, Mr. Mead submitted them to that associa- 
tion for criticism by its members, particularly with 
reference to its proportions, and they gave it their un- 
qualified approval. When the Association was about 
to adopt it because of its general beauty, they required 
improvements in some of the minor details. The most 
important change was made at the suggestion of Mr. 
T. J. Dennis, one of the members of the Association, 
who prepared drawings for the purpose. It was that 
of substituting the present granite balustrade and para- 
pet for the metalic railing originally designed. As soon 
as arrangements were perfected for going forward with 
the building, the necessary drawings and specifications 
for the guidance of the stone cutters were prepared by 
^Ir. Dennis and placed in the liands of the contractor, 
^Ir. Richardson, who, after having some of them re- 
drawn, conveyed them to the stone cutters at Lemont, 
near Joliet, Illinois, and the granite quarries at Quin- 
cy, Massachusetts, where each piece was cut, dressed 
and numbered before being shipped to its destination. 



164 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

As already stated, ground was broken September 9, 
1869, and the massive foundation was completed before 
tlie close of that year. When the spring of 1870 opened, 
Mr. Richardson had materials ready to commence the 
work on the superstructure. He pushed it steadily 
forward with a full force of men, expecting to finish 
it during 1870, but there was so much delay on the 
part of the railroads in bringing the granite on the 
ground that it was found impossible to finish it within 
the building season. 

Work was resumed early in the spring of 1871, and 
the cap stone was elevated to its position on the obelisk 
]\Ionday morning, ^lay 22, without any ceremonials 
whatever. That did not complete the work, however, 
for there was still more to do on the Catacomb, Memo- 
rial Hall, and other parts of the terrace. 

It will be remembered that on the seventh of May, 
1869, orders were given by the Association for Mr. 
Mead to proceed with the work, and prepare the mod- 
els for the statue of Lincoln and the coat of arms of 
the United States. A newspaper called La Biforma, 
published in Florence, Italy, in its issue of February 
22, 1870, criticises Mr. Mead's work on the model of 
Lincoln, then far advanced towards completion. The 
article was translated by Mr. A. Alvey of this city, 
and published in the Register. From his translation I 
make the following quotations : 

"The statue which will arise in colossal proportions from the 
monument holds in the left hand a scroll upon which is written 
'Emancipation,' and in the other the pen with which Lincoln 
blotted from human higtory the stain of slavery. As a symbol 
of Union, to which he devoted his existence, the fasces are placed 
near the statue, upon which is thrown, in relief, the glorious ban; 
iier of the republic * * * At the foot of the fasces reclines 
.a crown of laurel, that crown which mankind has unanimously 
placed upon the head of the great citizen. 

" But art stops when life is to be infused into inert matter, and 
then inspiration must be summoned to express the feeling- and 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 165 

seutiment of a soul, wliicli reflects, as in a mirror, the gran- 
deur of the hero whose figure she would model. * * * 
In this work, Mr. Mead has surpassed our expectations. * * * 
The Florentines admire the works of Mr. Mead, and desire to do 
homage to the memor}^ of Lincoln, wlio no longer belongs exclu- 
sively to America, but to the whole world, an honor to the human 
race." 

Hon. W. M. Springer, also of Springfield, while 
traveling in Europe, spent several weeks in Florence 
when Mr. Mead was at work on the bust and features 
of Mr. Lincoln. He sent a translation of the criticism 
in La Rifonna to the Journal of this place. In his 
accompanying letter he says : " The comments of the 
Florentine papers are very complimentary, and you 
have a right to conclude that the statue merits all that 
is said of it. Here, where are found the finest works 
of Michael Angelo and Canova, and the renowned 
chefa cVceuvre of Greek sculpture, every work of this 
kind must stand upon its own merits. All who have 
seen Mr. Mead's statue of Mr. Lincoln admire it.'' 
The engraving of the coat of arms in this volume is 
from a photograph by L. Powers, a son of Hiram 
Powers, who has a gallery adjoining the studio of his 
father in Florence. It was a present from Mr. Mead 
to Mrs. Springer. 

The models of the statue and coat of arms were 
completed and shipped to Chicopee, Massachusetts, ar- 
riving there in the latter part of October, 1870. Hon. 
J. C. Conkling of this city, a long and intimate friend 
of Mr. Lincoln, was at Chicopee in December, and his 
description of both models are similar to those previ- 
ously given. 

Thomas Lincoln (Tad), the youngest son of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, after having spent the greater part of 
his time in Germany since the death of his father, re- 
turned with his mother to America early in 1871. In 
crossing the Atlantic he contracted a severe cold, which 
terminated in his death at Chicago, July 15, 1871. 



166 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The monument was not completed, but the Catacomb 
was far enough advanced to be occupied, and on Mon- 
day, the seventeenth of July, the remains were brought 
to Springfield and deposited in the west one of the five 
crypts — that which is at the extreme right on entering 
the vestibule. 

At a meeting of the Association August 22, Gover- 
nor Oglesby was instructed to confer with Judge David 
Davis of Bloomington and Robert T. Lincoln of Chi- 
cago, and they three were to agree upon a day for the 
removal of the remains of President Lincoln. After 
consultation they named September 19, at three o'clock 
p. m. The removal was intended to be done privately, 
a few personal friends only being notified. At the 
time appointed there were about two hundred persons 
at the monument to witness the event. Of the fifteen 
members of tlie Association, thirteen were present, 
namely, Oglesby, Dubois, Miner, Stuart, Conkling, 
Williams, Bunn, Bateman, Treat, Hatch, Melvin, Bev- 
eridge and Phillips. 

In making their preparations for removal, it was 
ascertained that the embalming was not perfect, and 
that it was necessary to change the remains from the 
wooden coffin in which it was brought from Washing- 
ton, and place them in a metalic casket, which was 
done on the forenoon of that day. When the remains 
were removed December 21, 1865, five or six of his 
old personal friends viewed the features and signed a 
paper stating that it was the person of Abraham Lin- 
coln beyond a doubt. The same thing was done on 
the nineteenth of September, and both papers are on 
file with the Secretary of the Association. The evi- 
dence of identity is thus unbroken. About four o'clock 
the casket containing the remains of the late Presi- 
dent was conveyed to the Catacomb and deposited in 
the central crypt, and then the remains of Willie and 
Eddie were taken and put together in the crypt to the 
right of, and on the west of that in which the body of 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 167 

Mr. Lincoln rests. And now the father and three sons 
are reposing near each other in this ^N^ational Mauso- 
leum. The two crypts on the left are unoccupied^ but 
are closed the same as if they were. That in which 
the remains are deposited is closed by a marble slab 
with a piece of plate glass, oval in form, and about 
fifteen by twenty inches, let in the centre of it. Through 
this glass the casket containing the remains can be 
seen at all times. 



168 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



CHAPTEE XIX. 



The reader will doubtless be interested in knowing 
liow the money was raised to accomplish so much. By 
the courtesy of the treasurer, the Hon. James H. Bev- 
eridge, it has been my privilege to examine his books, 
and a little explanation will be of some advantage. As 
the money came in, an entry was made in a journal, 
prepared expressly for that purpose, of each contribu- 
tion, giving the date of its reception, number on the 
journal, name of the person or society contributing, 
place of residence or location, and amount. For every- 
thing, except Sunday schools, this is all the record. 
The whole number of entries in the journal is 5145, 
and of these 1697 are Sunday schools. Besides enter- 
ing the Sunday schools on the journal, there is another 
book prepared for them alone. The names of more 
than sixty thousand children are enrolled in this book. 
The total amount of their contributions is about twenty 
thousand dollars. Every superintendent was requested 
to send a roll of the names of the children, with the 
amount contributed by each. The record begins with 
the name of the school, where located, and the name 
of the superintendent, followed by the names of the 
children and amounts of their contributions. After the 
design was adopted, those who contributed not less 
than fifty cents, received in return a fine steel engraving 
of the monument, as it will appear when the statuary 
is placed on it. 

The following extracts from the journal of the Asso- 
ciation, taken at random, will give some idea of the 
great variety of persons and organizations contiubuting 
to the fund : 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 169 

The first entry was made May 8, 1865, and was from 
Isaac Reed & Co., New York city, $100; Excelsior 
Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. Masons, Freeport, 111., |2o ; 
St. Annes's Council, U. L. A., No. 1234, Kendall 
county. 111. ; Big Thunder Lodge, No. 28, I. O. of 
Good Templars, Belvidere, 111. ; Olive Branch Lodge, 
No. 15, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Canton, 
111. ; Third Presbyterian Church, Springfield, 111. ; 
Second Presbyterian Church, Springfield, 111; Ger- 
man Lutheran Church, Springfield, 111., and nearly 
all the other churclies in Springfield ; First L^niversal- 
ist Church, Sugar Grove and Blackberrv, 111. ; First 
M. E. Church, Springfield, 111.; 118th Mounted In- 
fantry, Baton Bouge, La. ; Cumberland Presbyterian 
Sunday School, at Lincoln, 111. This is the first con- 
tribution from a Sunday school, and it is remarkable 
that it comes from a town named by s(^me personal 
friends for Abraham Lincoln, when his only fame was 
that of being a good and honest lawyer. Congrega- 
tional Church, Clifton, 111. ; Baptist Church, Towanda, 
111. ; Ladies' Aid Society, Fairfield, Iowa ; St. Mary's 
Church, Protestant Episcopal, Bloomington, 111.-; Citi- 
zens of Chelsea, Mass. ; INI. E. Church, A Itoona, Penn. ; 
Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. ; Colored Citizens 
of Cairo, 111. ; Hebrew Citizens of Alton, 111 ; Hobart 
Church, Oneida Indians, Oneida, Wis. ; United Breth- 
ren Church, Dayton, Ohio. The 73d Regiment U. S. 
Colored Troops, at New Orleans, La., contributed 
$1437, a greater amount than was given by any other 
individual or organization, except the State of Illinois. 

It was not until the latter part of June that the 
Sunday schools began to report in large numbers, when 
page after page of the journal was filled with their 
contributions. At the same time, reports would come 
from a U. S. war steamer, with a long list of contribu- 
tions ; then from a U. S. army hospital, then Sunday 
schools, another U. S. steamship, a regiment in Missis- 
sippi, another at Washington, then one in Tennessee, 



170 THE GEE AT FUNEEAL COETEGE, 

still another from Arkansas^ some white and some col- 
ored. Then more Sunday schools^ Naval Hospital at 
Portsmouth, Virginia; a colored regiment, Sunday 
schools, a Hebrew congregation at St. Joseph, Mo. ; 
Sunday schools, M. E. Church in Massachusetts, from 
a Congregational Church in Wisconsin, a Presbyterian 
Church in Pennsylvania, Baptist Church in Michigan, 
Episcopal Church in Illinois ; roll of contributors from 
a colored regiment fills twenty three pages; Hebrew 
congregation in Philadelphia, and a Presbyterian Sun- 
day school at Aurora, Indiana. An American mis- 
sionary, from his far-off field in Hong Kong, China, 
sends his contribution, to help build the monument to 
the memory of Abraham Lincoln. A Methodist Sun- 
day school, away up in Seattle, Alaska, sends twenty 
dollars for the same purpose. Then comes a contribu- 
tion from the superintendent of public instruction at 
Memphis, Tennessee. More Sunday schools, more 
Masonic, Odd Eellows, and Good Templars^ lodges. 
More Sunday schools, from the east, west, north, and 
some from the south, of almost every denomination of 
Christians. Citizens of New York city contributed 
nearly five thousand dollars. Citizens of Boston and 
Stockbridge, Mass., contributed nearly fifteen hun- 
dred dolkirs. More Sunday schools — Sunday schools, 
lodges, churches, Sunday schools, and so it continues, 
page after page, throughout the journal. 

Much the largest part of the money was contributed 
during the year 1865, but contributions continued to 
come, decreasing in number, until the early part of 
1870. A contribution came, February 2, 1870, from a 
Methodist Sunday school at Smithtown Branch, INIass. 
On the sixty-first anniversary of the birth of Abraham 
Lincoln, namely, February 9, 1870, a contribution of 
|500 in gold was received from the State of Nevada, 
by her large hearted Governor, Henry G. Blasdel. 
One hundred dollars in gold was received on the 
eleventh of March, following, from the Secretary of 



AND THE NATIO^^AL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 171 

the State of Nevada^ as the contribution of the mem- 
bers of the Legislature and officers of that State. For 
a long time it appeared as if no more voluntary offer- 
ings would come into the treasury, but in December, 

1870, a contribution of $10 was received from a gen- 
tleman in St. Louis, and on the twenty-second of the 
month $15.22 was received from a Presbyterian Sun- 
day school at Princeton, Illinois. 

Another pause ensues, until May 12, 1871,Avhen $25 
was received from a citizen of Sangamon county, Illi- 
nois, and on the fifth of June, $5, from a citizen of 
Belvidere, Illinois. On the twenty-fourth of June, $5 
was received from a Methodist Sunday school at Green- 
wich, New York, and on the same day, $198 was re- 
ported as the contribution of the Second Presbyterian 
Sunday School of Springfield, Illinois. ^November 25, 

1871, a contribution of $50 is recorded from a citizen 
of Geneva, Illinois. A report of the contributions for 
procuring the groups of statuary can be seen in the 
twentieth chapter, and for ornamenting the monument 
grounds, in the twenty -first chapter. 

Only three States have made contributions to the 
fund, without reserve. Illinois, by an act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, approved January 29, 1867, approj^ri- 
ated fifty thousand dollars. The money was not to be 
drawn from the State treasury until it was needed to 
pay out on the work. It has been drawn and applied 
as contemplated in the law. The State of Missouri 
appropriated one thousand dollars — a draft from Gov- 
ernor Fletcher, for that amount, came into the hands 
of the treasurer of the Association, April 18, 1868 — 
and the State of Nevada $500, as already stated. 

Men may object to giving assistance, and say it is an 
enterprise that belongs to Illinois. That State has 
acknowledged the honor of having been the chosen 
home of Abraham Lincoln, by her contribution of fifty 
thousand dollars, and has put her name in the most 
obscure place on the monument. If any other four 



172 

States were to combine, and do as much as Illinois, 
they would justly be regarded as liberal, and yet 
it is not a State, but a National Monument. As evi- 
dence of this, I need only refer to the great extent of 
country from which the contributions already received 
have come. They were made up, too, by all classes of 
people, and by organizations of almost every kind. 

There can be but one National Monument to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln, and that only can be a 
National IMonument which contains his remains ; who, 
at the time of his death, was the head of the nation, 
and was slain because he was its Chief Magistrate. 
This is even more than a National Monument, it is 
cosmopolitan in its character. His love included all 
mankind, and all the liberty loving portion of the hu- 
man family extended their love to him. I might fill 
page after page with quotations from articles written 
in all parts of the world, expressing sorrow for his 
death. These expressions were so numerous that the 
United States Congress, in order to preserve them in a 
separate form, by a joint resolution of both houses, 
approved March 2, 1867, 

Resolved, That, in Mclditiou to the number of copies of papers 
relating to foreign affairs now authorized by law, there shall bo 
printed for distribution by the Department of State, on fine paper, 
with wide margin, a sufficient number of copies of the appendix 
to the diplomatic correspondence of 1865, to suppl}^ one copy to 
each Senator and each Representative of the Thirty-ninth Con- 
gress, and to each foreign government, and one copy to each cor- 
poration, association or public body, whose expressions of condo- 
lence or sjanpathy are published in this volume; one hundred of 
these copies to be bound in full Turkey morocco, full gilt, and tlie 
remaining copies to be bound in half Turkey morocco, marble 
edged. 

Under this resolution, a volume of nine hundred and 
thirty quarto pages was published, making a book 
almost as large as Webster's unabridged dictionary. It 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 173 

contains '^ expressions of condolence and sympathy/^ 
on account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, 
from the governments, associations or individuals, in 
some official capacity, from the following countries, in 
alphabetical order. I give tlie name of each country, 
and the number of parties from whom documents were 
received : 

Austria, nine ; Argentine Republic, nine ; Belgium, 
seven ; Brunswick, one ; Baden, Duchy of, four ; Bra- 
zil, six ; Bolivia, one ; Chili, seventeen ; Costa Eica, 
six ; China, two ; Denmark, four ; Equador, five ; 
Egypt, two; France, one hundred and lifty — forty- 
seven of which were from the press ; Great Britain 
and her dependencies, including both houses of Parlia- 
ment and Queen Victoria, many cities and towns 
throughout the kingdom, the island of Nassau, the 
Bahamas, Bengal and Calcutta, India, Cape Town and 
the gold coast of Africa, Dominion of Canada, with 
many of her cities east and west, Ireland, Scotland, 
Australia, islands of Guernsey, Bermuda, Jamaica and 
Vancouver, Xew South Wales and Nova Scotia. The 
addresses received from all these sources were four 
liundred and sixty-five, including twenty-nine from the 
press. Greece, one ; Honduras, one ; Hanseatic Re- 
publics, including the free cities of Bremen, Hamburg 
and Lubec, seven ; Hesse Darmstadt, Duchy of, two ; 
Hawaian Islands, four ; Hayti, one ; Italy, seventy- 
two, outside of Rome ; Japan, two ; Liberia, five ; 
Mexico, six ; Morocco, one ; the Netherlands, including 
the Hague, four ; Nicaragua, three ; Prussia, seven- 
teen ; Portugal, eighteen ; Peru, eleven; Russia, eight; 
Rome, four ; Spain, nineteen ; Sweden and Norway, 
nine ; Saxe Meiningen, one ; Switzerland, one hundred 
and thirty-six ; San Salvador, three ; United States of 
Columbia, twenty -three ; Uraguay, three ; Venezuela, 
six ; Wurtemburg, three ; United States of America, 
sixty-eight. These latter w^ere, to a great extent, made 
up of societies composed of foreigners residing in the 



17 4 THE GREAT FUNERAE CORTEGE, 

different cities of the Union. The total number^ from 
all sources, is eleven hundred and sixty-eight. They 
contain some of the finest sentiments that words can 
express. They are nearly all written in prose, with a 
small number in poetry. I insert a single communica- 
tion of the latter class. It was written by Miss Grace 
W. Gray, an invalid lady of Northampton, England, 
and sent to Charles F. Adams, our minister to that na- 
tion, with a request that it be forwarded to Mrs. Lin- 
coln. It is an accrostic, and in the number of lines, 
it would also be a sonnet, if the versification had been 
arranged for that purpose : 

"A nation — nor one only — mourns thy loss, 
Brave Lincoln, and with voice unanimous 
Raise to thy deathless memory 
A dirge-like song of all thy noble deeds. 
High let it rise; and I, too, fain would add 
A loving tribute to thy priceless worth, 
More widely known since banished from the earth. 

" Laurel shall now thy brow entwine, 
In memory's ever-faithful shrine; 
Nor shall it fiide when earth dissolves. 
Caught up to meet thee in the air, 
Old age and youth shall bless thee there; 
Love shall her grateful tribute pay, 
Nor cease tlirough heaven's eternal day." 

Kesolutions and other expressions, by legislative 
bodies, corporations, voluntary societies and public 
assemblies called for the occasion, one and all, ex- 
pressed in unmistakable terms their horror at the 
crime, and the warmest sympathy and condolence with 
the bereaved family of the President and the American 
people ; but from the very nature of things, they par- 
took too much of formality to express the finer feel- 
ings of the heart. These latter could only be found in 
the public journals. Of the former class, I make a 



AND THE IfATIO:^AL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 175 

single selection of part of an utterance in four where- 
ases and six resolutions, from the government of Li- 
beria : 

Resolved, By the President of the Republic of Liberia and his 
Cabinet, in council, That it is with sincere regret and pain, as well 
as with feelings of horror and indignation, the government of Li- 
beria lias heard of the foul assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late 
President of the United States of America. 

Re.-tolved, That the government and people of Liberia deeply 
S3'mpathize with the government and people of the United States, 
in the sad loss they have sustained by the death of so wise, so 
just, so efficient, so vigorous, and j^et so merciful a ruler. 

Resolved, That while with due sorrow the government and peo- 
ple of Liberia weep with those that mourn the loss of so good and 
great a chief, they are, nevertheless, mindful of the loss they them- 
selves have experienced in the death of tlie great philanthropist 
wiiose virtues can never cease to be told so long as the Republic 
of Liberia shall endure ; so long as there survives a member of 
the negro race to tell of the chains that have been broken ; of the 
griefs that have been alla3'ed ; of the broken hearts that have been 
bound up by him who, as it were a new creation, breathed life into 
four millions of that race whom he found oppressed and degraded. 

From a large number of French papers, I select a 
single paragraph, from the Slede of April 30, 1865 : 

" I pause to pay a tribute of homage to the memory of Abraham 
Lincoln ; he will have been the apostle and tlie martyr of freedom. 
The cause of slavery could only be put an end to b}' assassination. 
It dies as it has lived, the dagger in hand. What a lost cause ! 
What a dishonored cause ! The frightful drama of Golgotha is the 
purchase of the disinherited. The blood of the just is invariably 
the ransom of the slaves." 

We have heretofore regarded the people of South 
America as not more than half civilized, but in all the 
hundreds of papers on the death of Abraham Lincoln, 
there is none that exhibits more accurate and discrim- 



176 

hiating knowledge of onr history, and that for sub- 
limity of thoug*lit and deep pathos, excels that written 
by the Hon. Salvador Camacho Roldan, and translated 
from La Opinion, Bogota, June 7, 1865 ; from which I 
make some brief extracts. After stating in the most 
clear and concise language, the causes of our civil war 
and the difficulties in the path of President Lincoln, 
the writer says : "There is in his last words something 
of the fire of th^ old prophets,^' and then proceeds to 
quote from his inaugural address of March 4, 1865 : 

" Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty 
scoui-ge of war may soon pass away. Yet if God wills that it con- 
tinue nntil the wealth piled by the bondman's two hnudred and 
fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop 
of blood drawn by the lash be paid by another drawn with tlie 
sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be 
said, 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."" 

The writer continues : 

"And that nothing should be wanting to complete the grandeur 
of his life, the hand of crime snatched it from him in the midst of the 
triumph of his cause, and bound his temples, already pale from the 
Tigils and anguish of four years, with the resplendent crowni of 
the martyr, 

"x\.braham Lincoln is dead, but his work is finished and sealed 
with the veneration which God has given to the blood of martyrs. 
He who was yesterday a man, is to-day an apostle ; he who was the 
centre at which the shots of malice and hatred were aimed, is to-day 
a prestige, sacred and irresistible. His voice is louder and more po- 
tent from the mansion of martyrs, than from the Cajiitol, aud the 
cry which was loudly raised among the living, is mute before the 
majesty of the tomb. 

"Abraham Lincoln passes to the side of Washington — the one 
the father, and the other the saviour of a great nation. The tra- 
ditions, pure and stainless, of the early times of the republic, 
broken at the close of the administration of the second Adams, 
were restored in the martyr of Ford's Theatre; and tlie predomi- 
nance of material interests which has heretofore obscured the 
country of Franklin, will abdicate the field to the prelacy of 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 177 

moral ideas, of justice, of equality, and of reparation. Tlie whip 
lias dropped from tlie hand of the overseer; the bloodhound Avill 
hunt no more the fugitive slave in tlie mangrove swamps of the 
Mississippi; tlie hammer of iIk; auctioneer of negroes has struck 
for the last time on his platform, and its baleful somid has died 
into eternal silence. The sacred ties of love v\'liich unite the 
hearts of slaves will not again be broken by the forced separation 
of husbands and wives, parents and children. The unnatural and 
infamous consort between the words libert}- and slavery is dis- 
solved forever; and libert}^ libert}M will be the cry which shall 
run from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from tlie northern lakes 
to the Gulf of Mexico. This great work has cost a great price. 
Humanity will have to mourn yet many years to come the hor- 
rors of that civil war; but above tlie blood of its victims, above 
the bones of its dead, above the ashes of desolated hearths, will 
arise tlie great figure of Abraham Lincoln, as the most acceptable 
sacrifice offered b}" the nineteenth century iu expiation of the 
great crime of the sixteenth. Above all the anguish and tears of 
that immense hecatomb will appear the shade of Lincoln as the 
symbol of hope and pardon." 

These expressions of condolence and sympathy were 
written in not less than twenty-five of the leading 
languages of the world, but when translated into our 
own, they one and all convey such true appreciation 
of the motives that governed the life of Abraham 
Lincoln, as leads us to believe that the language of 
freedom is everywhere the same. I believe it may be 
truthfully said, that there is not a man under the Avhole 
canopy of heaven, that loves liberty for liberty's sake^ 
who does not feel that, when Abraham Lincoln was 
struck down, he lost a brother, for his love included 
all mankind. 

A copy of the book containing these expressions of 
condolence and sympathy, also the books, papers and 
letters of the Monument Association will be placed in 
Memorial Hall. A package of the original documents 
sent to Mrs. Lincoln and the officers of the United 
States government, after the death of Mr. Lincoln. 
12 



178 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

was forwarded by Robert T. Lincoln to the Hon. 
John T. Stuart in December, 1871, to be framed and 
placed in Memorial Hall. A small number of them 
are on paper, but much the largest number are on either 
parchment or vellum. They are of all sizes, from 
eight by ten inches to eighteen by twenty-four. Among 
them are some very fine specimens of pen-printing. 
They will be highly valued for their ornamental ap- 
pearance. Twenty-two of them are the originals of 
those contained in the book published by Congress. 
I will mention them in something like the order in 
which they appear in that book. 

In the borough of Blackburn, county of Lancaster, 
England, a meeting was held May 2, 1865, and an ad- 
dress issued to Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Seward and their 
families. In this address the sentiment is expressed, 
that when the exigencies of a nation demand a great 
leader, God always sends the man for the time, and that 
Abraham Lincoln was raised up for the special pur- 
pose of leading our government through the perils of 
the rebellion, and to let the oppressed go free. Although 
the language varies, there is a similarity in the senti- 
ments running through them all, therefore I shall 
simply give the dates and places from whence they 
came : 

Belfast, Ireland, May 8, 1865. 

Dublin, Ireland, May 1, 1865. 

Borough of Lancaster, England, May 3, 1865. 

City Council of Liverpool, England, May 3, 1865. 

City of Leeds, England, May 1, 1865. 

Workingmen of London, England, May 4, 1865. 
Their words of patriotism and love of freedom are so 
clear, that they seem to be Americans. Their address 
comes on a large piece of parchment, with fifty-five 
signatures. 

The Emancipation Society, at St. James Hall, Lon- 
don, April 29, 1865. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 179 

British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, London, 
May 5, 1865. 

Temple Discussion Fornm, of London, without date. 

Atlantic Telegraph Company, from the London of- 
fice, May 8, 1865. 

Isew England Society, of Montreal, Canada, April 
19, 1865. 

Municipal Council of Northampton, England, May 
1, 1865. Two copies, on vellum; one to the govern- 
ment archives at Washington, the other to Mrs. Lin- 
coln. 

Municipal Council of Oldham, England May 1 and 
3, 1865. 

Town Council of Paisley, Scotland, May 6, 1865. 

The inhabitants of Plaistow, England, without date. 

Municipal Council of Rochdale, Scotland, Mav 4, 
1865. 

Sheffield Secular Society, England, without date. 

The inhabitants of Southport, England, May 6, 1865. 

Parish of St. Pancras, county of Middlesex, England, 
May 10, 1865. 

Chamber of Commerce of tlie State of New York, 
New York city, April 22, 1865. 

Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, 200 Mulberry street, New 
York, April 24, 1865. 

The following do not appear in the book published 
by Congress, but on the parchments only : 

From the Aldermen and Burgesses of the city of 
Liverpool, England, May 3, 1865. 

The inhabitants of Gateshead, England, May 4, 1865. 

Ladies of the London Emancipation Society, to Mrs. 
Lincoln, without date. 

St. George's Society, Quebec, Dominion of Canada, 
April 24, 1865. 

Montgomery Lodge No. 19, Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, Philadelphia, May 4, 1865. 

Friends, or Quakers, of Kendall, England, to the 



180 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

widow and children of Abraham Lincoln, Avitliout date. 
This parchment contains sixty-seven autograph names, 
about one-third being women. 

^Mercantile Library Company sent a piece of parch- 
ment, Ayith some very neatly expressed sentiments 
and fifteen signatures, but it is without date or loca- 
tion. 

The St. Andrew's Scottish Benevolent Society of San 
Francisco, California, April 17, 1865. Their expres- 
sions are recorded on a fine piece of vellum, and at- 
tached to a roller, heayily plated with gold. 

Declarations of the Bishop and Clergy of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Illinois, 
April 19, 1865. These are neatly engrossed on a piece 
of vellum, eighteen by twenty-four inches, and signed 
by Bishop AVhitehouse and fifty-one of the clergy of 
his diocese. 

Among the number there is one very fine piece of 
parchment, which has nothing on its face to show 
whether it was prepared before or after Mr. Lincoln's 
death. It is a series of joint resolutions of the Select 
and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia, in- 
viting Abraham Lincoln to visit that city on his way 
to Washington, to be inaugurated President of the 
L^nited States. It contains the names of the committee 
of invitation, consisting of six members of each coun- 
cil, and was approved by the Mayor, Alexander Henry, 
February 14, 1861. 

On the morning of Saturday, April 29, 1871, the 
Hon. Sharon Tyndale, of Springfield, arose from his 
bed about one o'clock, took an affectionate leaye of his 
family, and started to the depot of the Chicago and St. 
Louis Eailroad, w^ith the intention of visiting Belle- 
ville. At davlight his body was found, about a square 
from his residence, lying on its face, with a pistol shot 
through his head. The wound was almost like that 
which caused the death of Mr. Lincoln. Large re- 
wards were offered for the arrest of the assassins, but 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 181 

there has never been the slightest clue as to who they 
were. 

At the annual meeting of the Association, May 11, 
1871, a committee w^as appointed who reported the fol- 
lowing resolutions, which were adopted and ordered to 
be spread upon the record : 

Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Sharon Tyndale, oue 
of the corporators of the National Lincohi Monument Associa- 
tion, and the first of that number who has departed this life, this 
Association has lost one of the most earnest, faithful and valued 
members — one who cherished the memory of Abraham Lincoln 
with sincere and patriotic devotion, and who gave his time and 
thought, gladly and without stint, to promote the success of the 
enterprise for which this corporation was created. 

Resolved, That we recall with grateful emotions the unvarying 
courtes}^ and kindness of the deceased, as a member of this body; 
his exalted conception of the historic significance of the proposed 
monument; his strong desire that the structure should be worthy 
of the great name to be honored and perpetuated by it, and his 
many valuable services and suggestions as the work Avas begun 
and carried forward. 

Resolved, That the cruel assassination of Mr. Tyndale derives a 
blacker coloring of atrocit}' from his singularly benevoleent and 
philanthropic nature, and his well known kindness of disposition, 
and that we earnestly join in the general wish that his inhuman 
murderers ma}^ yet be arrested, convicted and punished. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded, with 
assurances of our deep and respectful sympathj--, to the afflicted 
widow and family of the deceased. 

JSTewton Bate man, ] 

David L. Phillips, V Committee. 

James C. Cokkling, J 

At the same meeting, upon the suggestion of Hon. 
O. M. Hatch, Gov. John M. Palmer was elected a 
member of the Association, to fill the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of Mr. Tyndale. With this ex- 
ception, there has never been any change in the mem- 
bership, from the organization of the Association. 



182 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGP:, 

Clinton L. Conkling, the first secretary, was never 
a member of the Association, but served as secretary 
until December 28, 1865, when he tendered his resigna- 
tion, which was accepted January 18, 1866. Hon. O. 
M. Hatch was then elected secretary, which he accepted, 
and has continued to serve until the present time. The 
Association is at present composed of ex-Gov. R. J. 
Oglesby, President ; Hon. Jesse K. Dubois^ Vice Presi- 
dent; Hon. James H. Beveridge, Treasurer; Hon. O. 
M. Hatch, Secretary ; Hon. O. H. Miner, Hon. John 
T. Stuart, Hon. James C. Conkling, John AVilliams, 
Thomas J. Dennis, Jacob Bunn, Hon. Newton Bate- 
man, Hon. S. H. Treat, Hon. D. L. Phillips, Dr. S. H. 
Melvin, and Gov. John M. Palmer. 

The Executive Committee, appointed when the work 
commenced, namely, the Hon. John T. Stuart, Jacob 
Bunn, and John Williams, has continued to superin- 
tend it to the present time. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 183 



CHAPTER XX. 



The statements of this chapter were authorized by a 
special committee of the Association, appointed for that 
piirpo-se at a meeting held Xovember 29, 1871. 

Soon after the National Lincoln Monument Associa- 
tion was organized, it announced its intention to raise 
two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the purpose 
of building a monument to the memory of Abraham 
Lincoln. This was the sum named in all the papers 
sent out by the Association. There was but one con- 
tribution made, the payment of which was dependent 
on the whole amount being raised. The Legislature 
of New York, at its first or second session after the 
Association was organized, appropriated ten thousand 
dollars, to be paid to the National Lincoln Monument 
Association at Springfield, Illinois, when two hundred 
and forty thousand dollars were raised from other sour- 
ces. With that proviso in the law, the Association 
has no claim an the State of New York, as the requi- 
site amount has not been raised from other sources, con- 
sequently that appropriation has lapsed. 

An aged colored woman named Charlotte Scott, 
who had received her freedom in Virgini-a by the 
Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln, was 
living at Marietta, Ohio, when he was assassinated. 
Upon hearing of his death she was greatly distressed, 
and said : '' The colored people have lost their best 
friend on earth ; Mr. Lincoln was our best friend, and 
I will give five dollars of my wages towards building 



184 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

a monument to his memory/' The money was at once 
placed in the hands of the Rev. C. D. Battelle, of Mari- 
etta, to be held in trust for the purpose designated. 
The circumstance was related in a letter to the Hon. 
James E. Yeatman, of St. Louis, President of the 
Western Sanitary Commission. An extract from that 
letter, with a brief note from Mr. Yeatman, was pub- 
lished in the Missouri Democrat of May 2, 1865. On 
the nineteenth of May a response came from Lieut. 
Col. John P. Coleman, of the 6th IJ. S. Colored Heavy 
Artillery, at Natchez, Mississippi, accompanied by 
$4242 as the contribution of that regiment towards 
the monument fund. The 70th U. S. Colored Infantry 
contributed $2949.50. Other regiments entered into 
the plan, and as the soldiers were paid off they sent in 
liberal contributions. Part of this money came through 
the hands of U. S. Paymaster W. C. Lupton, who says 
that seventeen hundred men — including the 6th and 
70th regiments, just named — contributed about |10,000, 
an average of nearly six dollars each. So anxious were 
they to express their gratitude that they were willing 
to give all their pay, and in many instances the officei-s 
found it necessary to restrain them. After the move- 
ment was fairly inaugurated, the five dollars given by 
Charlotte Scott was sent by Rev. Mr. Battelle to Mr. 
Yeatman, to be recorded as the first contribution. 

Some time during the summer of 1865, the Western 
Sanitary Commission employed John M. Langston, of 
Ohio, a man of color and a talented lawyer, to travel 
in the Southern States as an agent in making collec- 
tions from the colored people. He continued in the 
work until April 15, 1866. In consequence of the 
change of conduct in Andrew Johnson towards the 
colored people, causing apprehensions in their minds 
with regard to their own safety, further efforts were par- 
alyzed and there was but little more collected. 

Seeing there was not enough to build a monument 
of any considerable magnitude, Mr. Yeatman, as Presi- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 185 

dent of the Western Sanitary Commission, accompanied 
by the Hon. Way man Crow, a personal friend of Miss 
Harriet E. Hosmer, visited Springfield in September, 
1868, the time appointed by the Association for select- 
ing a design. Mr. Yeatman made an overture, to turn 
the funds raised by the colored people over to the Na- 
tional Lincoln Monument Association, and that the 
citizens of St. Louis would increase the amount to 
$25,000, provided the design of Miss Hosmer was 
adopted. Upon investigation, the Association became 
satisfied that to build after her design would cost more 
than double the money that there was any prospect 
they would ever be able to command, and for that 
reason, if no other, they were under the necessity of 
adopting a less costly design. 

At a conference of the African M. E. Church which 
assembled at Indianapolis from Aug. 26 to Sept. 5, 1870, 
representing the States of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, 
Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, resolutions Avere 
adopted expressing the opinion that the money held in 
trust by the officers of the late Western Sanitary Com- 
mission for the purpose of building a monument to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln, ought to be turned over 
to the National Lincoln Monument Association at 
Springfield, Illinois, to be used in completing the monu- 
ment at that place, and that it ought not to be used for 
any other purpose. The resolutions were signed by 
Bishops Quinn and Campbell, and Avere only intended 
to be advisory. This action of the conference was 
made known to the custodians of the fund in St. Louis, 
but th.ey declined to be influenced by it, except in pro- 
portion as its members might be able to produce evi- 
dence that they were contributors. The custodians of 
the fund at St. Louis also stated that they had pledged 
it to the National Lincoln Monument Association at 
Washington City, of which the Hon. James Harlan, 
United States Senator from Iowa, is President. The 
condition upon which it was appropriated to that Asso- 



186 THE GREAT FUIs^ERAL CORTEGE, 

ciation was, that it sliould adopt so miicli of Miss Hos- 
mer's design as would make the crowning part of the 
Monument. The money was to be used for that pur- 
pose when the body of the Monument was built up to 
a proper height to receive it, and not until that time. 

From the time ground was broken in the autumn of 
1869, until the spring of 1871, the structure arose 
steadily and quietly, and the work, both on the Monu- 
ment and statue, was so far advanced that the Associa- 
tion began to prepare for some public demonstration 
connected with the enterprise, without waiting for the 
four groups of statuary. On the eleventh day of May, 
at the sixth annual meeting of the Association, a com- 
mittee was raised consisting of President Ogle*sby, D. 
L. Phillips, J. C. Conkling, Newton Bateman and S. 
H. Treat, to make the necessary preparations. They 
were expected to visit Chicopee, Massachusetts, and 
^'examine the Statue of Lincoln and the Coat of Arms, 
suggest to the Association the name of a suitable per- 
son to deliver tlie oration upon the occasion of the un- 
veiling of the Statue when placed upon the Monument, 
and to select and suggest a day upon which the ceremo- 
nies should take place." 

On the nineteenth of July, four days after the death 
of Thomas Lincoln, at a meeting of the Association, 
that committee reported progress. A few days after 
that. Governor Oglesby and Mr. Phillips, of the before 
mentioned committee, started East. 

A meeting of the Association was called on the 
twenty-second of August, to hear the report of the 
committee, of which tlie folloAving is the substance : 

Messrs. Oglesby and Pliillips went by the way of 
Chicago, for the purpose of availing themselves 4:)f the 
counsels — particularly in the selection of an orator — 
of some of the prominent gentlemen of that city, who 
had been the personal and political friends of President 
Lincoln. Upon making their business known to the 
Hon. J. Young Scammon, Col. James H. Bowen, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUIMENT. 187 

Cliauiicey T. Bowen, Esq. and others, they learned that 
several of these gentlemen, on their visit to Springfield 
with the remains of Thomas Lincoln, became deeply 
interested in seeing the monument completed. AVhen 
the subject Avas more fully discussed, the committee 
received what they regarded as ample assurances that 
Chicago would furnish the means to purchase one of 
the groups of statuary. They went so far as to select 
the Inflmtry Group as the one they would prefer to have 
placed to the credit of their city. The whole question 
was left open, with the understanding that whenever 
the Association desired it, the money would be forth- 
coming. 

The committee next visited New York city and called 
on ex-Governor E. D. Morgan, Hon. Russell Sage, 
Hon. George Opdyke, Winthrop S. Gilman, Esq. Geo. 
T. M. Davis, Esq. A. D. Shepherd, Esq. and others, 
and received assurances that New York would furnish 
the Xaval Group. They left the matter of raising the 
money there open also, for the reason that it was in the 
heat of summer, and they were assured that many gen- 
tlemen who would cheerfully contribute to the fund 
were then absent. 

On visiting Boston they called on Governor Claflin, 
and after a long consultation with him, were gratified 
to find that he entered heartily into the spirit of the 
enterprise, and although he declined, alone, to make a 
positive promise, he assured the committee of his sym- 
pathy with the movement, and gave it as his opinion 
that Boston would furnish the means to pay for one of 
the groups. 

The committee would have visited Philadelphia but 
did not think it advisable to go while the weather was 
so hot, and that it Avould be better to defer it until 
winter. 

On visiting Chicopee the committee found the Coat 
of Arms finished, and the work on the Statue of Lin- 
coln in a good state of progress. They took ample time 



188 THE GREAT FUNEEAL CORTEGE, 

to study it, and unhesitatingly pronounce it as perfect a 
reproduction of Abraham Lincohi as it is possible to 
transfer from life to inert matter. In their opinion Mr. 
Mead has proven himself a true artist, in the fact that 
he has made no effort to improve on nature. Mr. Lin- 
coln stooped in the shoulders, just enough to spoil the 
fit of a coat about the breast, and the Statue shows this 
to perfection. The peculiar contour of the features, 
the full lower lip, the mole on the cheek, the wrinkles 
on the forehead, and the nose, unlike any other except 
Lincoln's, are all faithfully reproduced. His long, 
bony fingers, as they grasped the Emancipation Procla- 
mation, and all his other angularities, are brought out 
with great accuracy. They regard the work a sig- 
nal success, and think it a fortunate circumstance that 
the casting and finishing was placed in the hands of 
the Ames ^lanufacturing Company. Mr. James T. 
Ames, as President of that Company, became intimately 
acquainted with Mr. Lincoln during the four years of 
the rebellion. His business relations in manufacturing 
cannon and other arms for the government, led to many 
personal interviews Avith the President. His recollec- 
tion of these ev^ents was of great value when he came 
to finish up the statue, which he seemed to regard more 
as a labor of love and patriotism, than a mere matter of 
business. 

It appeared to them as if the work was almost done, 
but Mr. Ames declined to name a time when it would 
be completed. Being satisfied that it could not be done 
and put in position on the Monument in time to be uu- 
veiled during 1871, the committee did not nuike a selec- 
tion of an orator, neither did they name any day for the 
ceremony of unveiling to take place. 

Although the committee found it inexpedient at that 
time to do all they were appointed for, they did that 
which was much more important. They developed 
the fact that the movement on the part of the people 
to build a monument to the memory of Abraham Lin- 



AND THE XATIOXAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 189 

coin was i!ot a mere impulse^ to be abandoned when 
the novelty wore away, but that the people are hrmly 
resolved to complete it in all its parts. Thus matters 
connected with the Monument stood when the great 
tornado of fire swept over Chicago on the eighth and 
ninth of October. Hundreds of thousands of dollars' 
Avorth of property, belonging to the men who had 
united in pledging the money to purchase the Infantry 
Group of statuary, were reduced to ashes in a day. 

When this great calamity befel the commercial me- 
tropolis of the Northwest, it was about the close of the 
building season for 1871. The Monument proper was 
then nearly completed. The Association had the means 
to pay all bills for this part of the work, also for the 
United States Coat of Arms and the Statute of Lin- 
coln. But the Monument Avould still lack what was 
necessary to give vital force to the design of the artist. 
It would be an apt emblem of our government at the 
beginning of the great rebellion. The constitution was 
there as a pedestal, and Abraham Lincoln took his posi- 
tion upon it. The States were there, but threatening 
dissolution, and he had neither Infantry, Cavalry, Artil- 
lery or a Navy, without which he would have been 
compelled to look on and see them crumble away be- 
neath his feet. At this juncture the loyal people of 
America rallied to his support, and placed at his dispo- 
sal the means necessary to organize all the forces 
required for the preservation of the government. 
The members of the Association, Avhen assembled on 
the twenty-ninth of November, felt that the time had 
arrived for an earnest appeal to be made to the Ameri- 
can people, to again furnish the means to organize the 
Infantry, the Cavalry, the Artillery and tlie Navy — in 
bronze — to be marshaled around his Statue, in imitation 
of the support the loyal people of the nation gave him 
in its hour of greatest peril. 

The feeling was unanimous among the members 
that the magnanimity which always characterized 



190 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Abraham Lincoln, sliould restrain them from hold- 
ing those gentlemen in Chicago to their promises 
made before the iire. In consideration of the munifi- 
cent liberality manifested by them in so many ways 
wlien in prosperity, all felt that they should be con- 
sulted before calling on any other city to take their 
jilace in supplying the Infantry Group. It was decided 
that, as the initial step to further proceedings, Governor 
Oglesby should visit Chicago and ascertain their feel- 
ings on the subject. After spending a day or two there, 
the Governor wrote a letter to the Hon. O. M. Hatch, 
Secretary of the Association. The letter was dated 
Chciago, Dec. 8, and when it was received Mr. Hatch 
informed Vice President Dubois, who called a meeting 
Dec. 11, 1871, for the purpose of hearing a report from 
the Governor. 

He said that at an interview with the Hon. J. Young 
Scammon, he opened the conversation about the future 
purposes of the Association, and suggested that it might 
be under the necessity of calling upon some other city 
to take the place of Chicago in supplying one of the 
groups of statuary. Mr. Scammon said he thought not, 
and inquired into the terms of the contract with the 
sculptor, as to the time of payments. The Governor 
informed him that one-third of the price was to be paid 
when the order was given for the work to proceed ; but 
then added very explicitly, that the Association did 
not, under the present circumstances, expect Chicago 
to contribute anything, and assured him of the pro- 
found regret felt by the members at the necessity of 
looking somewhere else for the Infantry Group. Mr. 
Scammon said he thought that unnecessary, and then 
to the surprise and gratification of the Governor, pro- 
ceeded to say : '^ Your Association may give ^Ir. Mead 
the order to proceed at once to prepare the cast for the 
Infantry Group, and I will furnish you in cash one- 
third of the §13,700 ; and I think by the time the sec- 
ond payment becomes due, we shall be able to meet 



AXD THE ^^ATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 191 

that and the last also.'' The Governor conferred with 
Mr. Chaiincey T. Bowen, and otlier gentlemen, who 
heartily approved of the action of Mr. Scammon, and 
expressed the determination of Chicago to have one of 
the grou])S if no other city did so. 

One of the rnles of the Association is, never to order 
anv work until they have the money in hand to pay 
tlie whole amount ; but the Governor recommended a 
deviation from that rule in the case of Chicago. The 
otlier members adopted his views, and on motion of 
Dr. S. H. Melvin, it was 

'' Resolved : Tliat, in consideration of the proposition — mag- 
nanimous under the circumstances — made b}^ the Hon. J. Young 
Scammon to President Oglesb,y, as detailed in his letter just read, 
tlie Executive Committee be, and they are hereby directed to re- 
quest or order i\[r. ]\Iead to proceed to execute tlie work upon the 
Iiifaiitrv Group, and prepare tlie same for the ^Monument, as stipu- 
lated and contemplated in his contract with the Association." 

The following order was then issued, with instruc- 
tions to Mr. Mead to draw on ^Ir. Scammon for 
$4566.661 : 

Springfield, III. U. S. A. Dec. 11, A. D. 1871. 
Mr. Larldn G. Mead, Flouence, Italy. 

Sir — Yon are hereby directed to proceed to the construction of 
the Infantry Group for the National Lincoln Monument, as speci- 
fied in your contract with the Association, this order being given 
U[)on a resolution of the Association, a copy of which is herewith 
transmitted. 

Respectfully yours, 

John T. Stuart, ) 

John Williams, ]- Executive Committee, 

Jacob Bunn, ) 

Ex-Governor Oglesby and D. L. Phillips, of the 
committee appointed May, 1871, again started east via 
Chicago about the eighth of Februarv, 1872, for the 
purpose of completing their labors and of enlisting the 
patriotic citizens of some of the eastern cities in the 



192 THE GEE AT FUNEEAL COETEGE, 

laudable work of supplying the means to secure the 
remaining groups of Statuary, and to make arrange- 
ments for having the Statue of Lincoln placed upon the 
Monument wlien completed ; also, to secure the consent 
of some distinguished American citizen to deliver the 
oration on that occasion. 

At a meeting of the Association on the fourteenth of 
March, the committee made their report, of which the 
following is the substance : One or both of them vis- 
ited New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicopee, Albany 
and Auburn. At New York, Boston and Philadelphia, 
each, they received positive assurances from gentlemen 
eminent for their love of country, that the money would 
be raised to pay for a group of statuary. At each place 
the parties giving this assurance had a book prepared 
for recording one hundred and thirty-seven subscrip- 
tions, of one hundred dollars each, making $13,700, 
the amount required. AYhen the subscriptions are 
completed, the books are to be forwarded to Springfield 
and placed in Memorial Hall, as an additional attrac- 
tion to the contributors, or their friends, when visiting 
the Monument. 

The Cavalry Group was assigned to Boston, and the 
assurances that the money will be raised are supported 
by such names as ex-Go v. Claflin, Nathaniel Thayer, 
Alplieus Hardy, J. Wiley Edmonds, Horatio Harrison 
and others. 

New Y'ork being the largest seaport in the United 
States, the Naval Group was very a})propriately assigned 
to that city. The assurance that the money will be 
raised for this group is supported by ex-Gov. E. D. 
Morgan, Pussel Sage, Col. G. T. ^l. Davis and Win- 
throp S. Gil man. 

At Philadelphia some parties proposed raising the 
$13,700 by subscriptions of $1U00 each, but it was 
finally decided to adopt the plan pursued at New York 
and Boston. The following are the names of some of 
the parties who warmly seconded the movement, upon 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 193 

the object being presented by Gov. Oglesby, who vis- 
ited Philadelphia alone. Col. John W. Forney, Mor- 
ton McMichael, G. AY. Childs, Henry Carey, Mr. 
Comly the Collector of Customs, and James L. Clag- 
horn. 

Pennsylvania being the largest iron producing State 
in the Union, and Pittsburg the city Avhere the great- 
est quantity of heavy ordnance was manufactured dur- 
ing the war to suppress the rebellion, it seemed appro- 
priate for the commercial metropolis of that State to 
furnish the Artillery Group, and the proposition made 
by Gov. Oglesby that this should be done, was very 
lieartily acceded to by the gentlemen above named. 

Now, having all the groups provided for, the Asso- 
ciation has no further anxiety about the means to com- 
plete the Monument in all its parts. Those three cities 
will doubtless vie with each other in seeing Avhich shall 
be first to fill its quota. As soon as the money is in 
the treasury, the Association will order the w^ork to 
proceed on those three groups, and as the order for the 
Infantry has so recently been given, the artist will 
probably carry forward the Avork on all four at the 
same time. 

The committee once more visited Chicopee, Massa- 
chusetts, and report that the statue of Lincoln will be 
done before the middle of summer, ready to ship to 
Springfield. 

Previous to the departure of the committee, the feel- 
ing was almost unanimously expressed by the members 
of the Association and others that, in view" of the histor- 
ical associations connected with the death of President 
Lincoln, and the attempt to assassinate his Secretary of 
State, it w^ould be eminently proper that he should take 
the leading part in the approaching demonstration at 
the tomb of the former. With the view of making 
such arrangements as. would lead to the consummation 
of the wishes of the Association, Gov. Oglesby visited 
Auburn, New York, on the seventh of March, and on 
13 



194 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

behalf of the Association, extended to the Hon. Wil- 
liam H. Seward an invitation to visit Springfield and 
deliver the oration at the unveiling of the statue of 
Lincoln. After taking one whole day to consider the 
matter, and consult with his physician and family, Mr. 
Seward felt compelled to decline the invitation on ac- 
count of the precarious condition of his health. 

The Association has not yet named a day for the 
unveiling of the statue, and probably will not do so 
until they know the exact time at which it will be 
completed ; but when the day is fixed and the orator 
selected, it will be published in the papers a sufficient 
time before-hand for visitors to be present from all 
parts of the United States. 

Mr. Phillips visited Albany and received assurances 
from Lieut. Gov. Thos. G. Alvord, Mr. Speaker Smith 
and other gentlemen officially connected with the State 
government, that the ^10,000 appropriation which had 
been made by that State and lapsed, would be renewed, 
and that the Association should have the money. 

The following financial statement of the National 
Lincoln Monument Fund was made by the treasurer, 
Hon. James H. Beveridge, Feb. 15, 1872. 

The general coutributions to the National Lincoln 

Monument Fund amount to $170,652.73 

Special contribution by Hon. D. Davis for grading 

grounds 500.00 

Special contribution, balance Sanitary fund, for Sol- 
diers' Monumental Slab 500.00 

Total receipts $171,652.73 

The expenditures have been as follows : 

Paid Larkia G-. Mead for design and for statuary $ 12,166.66 

Paid and due contractor for the Monument 136,550.00 

Paid contractor for additional work 1,000.00 

Paid for laying out and grading grounds and for steps 575.00 



^ 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 195 

Paid for temporary vault 1,613.9T 

" printing, advertising and stationery 1,615.85 

" clerk hire, mailing circulars and recording 

the names of Sabbath School donors. .. 1,443.40 

" traveling expenses ag'ts soliciting donations. 1,787.10 
" engravings of Monument for Sunday School 

donors 932.00 

" Soldiers'Monumental Slab 500.00 

" express, postage and other incidental expenses 2,042.43 

Due Larkin G. Mead on Statue of Lincoln and Coat 

of Arms, when delivered, 9,133.33 

Total expenditures $169,359.74 

Balance 2,292.98 



It will thus be seen that the Association has the 
means to complete every part of the Monument proper, 
and leave a balance in the treasury of §2292.98, to go 
towards the grading and ornamentation of the grounds. 
There is yet much work to be done on the grounds and 
the present board of directors are desirous of laying 
the foundation for a permanent fund, that will yield 
sufficient income to take care of the Monument and 
grounds, and keep all in repair perpetually. 

The effort to build a Monument to the memory of 
the illustrious patriot Abraham Lincoln, has thus proved 
a grand success, and although it is not as large as it was 
at lirst intended that it should be, it is really a mag- 
nificent structure, far surpassing every other work of 
the kind on the American continent. For beauty of 
design it is unique. In fact, there is nothing that ap- 
proaches it in this country, and gentlemen who have 
traveled extensively in Europe, say they have seen 
nothing to equal it there. For all coming time it will 
be a shrine at w^hich patriots will delight to renew their 
vows to truth, justice and liberty. 



196 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE^ 

Since the foregoing was written, the following letter 
has been received ; it needs no explanation : 

New Yokk, March 13, 1872. 
Hon. R. J. Oglesly, Decatur, III. 

My Dear Governor — I have beeu at work since Thursday last, 
upon the matter of obtaining the autographs of one hundred and 
thirty-seven of our citizens, for the purpose of contributing one 
of the Bronze Groups for the monument to Abraham Lincoln. I 
have gone far enough to enable me to assure you, and the Asso- 
ciation represented by you, that I am certain to be successful — so 
certain that I will be responsible for raising the sum of thirteen 
thousand seven hundred dollars, being the amount necessary to 
pay for the group representing the Navy, Each autograph on my 
book means a check for $100, and it may be until the middle of 
April before the matter will be complete, and the certificate of 
deposit in the United States Trust Co. forwarded to you. There- 
fore, that no time should be lost in ordering the modeling to be 
done by the artist, (Mr. Mead), I want you to advise him and get 
liim to work without delay. My subscribers are all chosen, and 
none refuse, while many thank me for giving them the prvilege ;. 
and yet, time is required to see so many gentlemen. Some are not 
in town, and otliers not always at their place of business when I 
call ; but be assured that success is certain, and tliat there ought 
not to be any delay in forwarding the order. The artist may get 
engaged in some other heavy work. 

I am very truly yours, 
E. D. MORGAN. 

The letter was transmitted by President Oglesby to 
Secretary Hatch, with instructions to call a meeting at 
once. The meeting was called March 22. When 
the Association was convened^ and the letter read, the 
following resolution was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved: That in consideration of the letter from Hon. E. D. 
Morgan, just read, we hereby request and direct Larkin G. Mead 
Esq. to proceed without delay, to prepare and construct tlie Naval 
Group for the Monument, as contemplated and specified in his 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 197 

contract with this Association, and draw upon them for one-third 
of thirteen thousand seven hundred dollars. The Secretary is 
hereby directed to cause to be transmitted to Mr. Mead a copy of 
this order. 

The order was at once forwarded to the artist at 
Florence, Italy. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 199 



CHAPTER XXI. 



OAK EIDGE CEMETERY. 

When Springfield was only a village, four acres of 
land about half a mile west of the old State House 
was donated by Elijah lies for a " grave yard/^ and a 
few years later another was laid out immediately west 
of it, called Hutchinson Cemetery. It consisted of 
about four acres also, and was regularly laid out. 
Lots were sold, and considerable effort made to or- 
nament the grounds. As the town emerged from its 
village condition and manifested signs of larger growth, 
it became evident that some other arrangement should 
be made for the burial of the dead. AVith this object 
in view, Alderman Charles H. Lanphier, on the twenty- 
eighth of May, 1855, introduced the subject of pur- 
chasing land for a permanent grave yard outside the 
city limits. 

After it was decided by the city council to purchase 
grounds for the purpose designated, two sites were pro- 
posed, and on bringing the subject of location to a 
vote, it was found that the aldermen were equally di- 
vided. Gen. John Cook, then and now of Springfield, 
was mayor of the city. The position of the aldermen 
threw the responsibility of giving the casting vote on 
the mayor. The friends of the successful locality 
awarded to Mayor Cook the honor of naming tlie 
ground, and he called it Oak Ridge Cemetery. On 
the fourth of June the city received of A. G. Herndon 
and wife, a deed to a fraction less than seventeen acres 
of land, for which it paid three hundred and fifty dollars. 
On tlie fourteenth of May, 1856, eleven and a half acres 



200 THE GREAT FUNEEAL CORTEGE, 

more Avere purchased as an addition to the cemetery. 
At the same time — May 14, 1856 — an ordinance was 
passed by the city council prohibiting interments in 
the old town grave yard, and forbidding the enlarge- 
ment of any cemetery within half a mile of the city 
limits, which latter provision could only apply to 
Hutchinson Cemetery. An additional ordinance was 
passed at the same time, setting apart the twenty-eight 
and a half acres as a place of burial for the dead, un- 
der the name given it by mayor Cook. The cemetery 
was enclosed with a substantial fence at the expense 
of the city, and for two or three years it was used as a 
place of burial for the poor only. There being no 
sexton, parties dug graves wherever they pleased, of 
which there was no record preserved. 

On the eighteenth of April, 1858, and from that time, 
a register has been kept of all the interments. The 
grounds began to present a more orderly appearance, but 
it required a great amount of labor to remove the un- 
der-brush. Up to this time the ground was directly 
under the control of the city authorities, but it was 
thouo'ht desirable to identifv lot owners more closelv 
with it, and make them, to some extent, responsible 
for its management. In 1859 the Legislature was ap- 
plied to for some charter amendments, which were 
granted, authorizing the city council to elect annually 
a board of five managers, each one of whom should be 
a lot owner, and whose dnty it should be to take charge 
of all the funds set apart for the use of the cemetery, 
and direct all the improvements in the grounds. 

On the nineteenth of March, 1860, the first selection 
of managers took place, and on the ninth of April the 
board organized and entered upon the discharge of the 
duties assigned them. On the twenty-sixth of that month, 
the board resolved to set apart the twenty-fourth of 
May for the purpose of consecrating and dedicating 
the grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery for the exclusive 
purpose of a burial place for the dead. The eighth 



AXD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MOXUMEXT. 201 

day of May, a meeting Avas held, consisting of the 
managers, a committee of the city conncil and the 
clergymen of the city, to make arrangements for the 
ceremonies. On the twenty-fourth, a procession Avas 
formed and marched to the cemetery, where the exer- 
cises took place. They consisted of singing, prayer, 
instrumental music, an oration by the Hon. J. C. 
Conkling, and the formal dedication by the Hon. G. 
A. Sutton, mayor of the city. 

Upon the recommendations of the board of mana- 
gers, the city continued to make additions to the 
grounds, so that in 1865 the cemetery consisted of 
seventy-six and a half acres. Soon after the remains 
of President Lincoln were deposited in the public 
vault. May 4, 18(35, the city donated six acres of land, 
or so much of it as might be thought desirable to oc- 
cupy, to the National Lincoln Monument Association, 
and it is upon this ground that the Association has 
erected ths monument. By referring to the map, the 
form and extent of the grounds may be distinguished 
by the dark lines a short distance from the monument. 
It is well to remark here that, although the cemetery 
contains but seventy-six and a half acres, there are about 
ninety-seven acres included in the boundaries given on 
the map, but it is understood that the additions can be 
made whenever it is thought to be desirable. 

For several years the city council appropriated one 
thousand dollars annually to be used in improving the 
grounds, but in 1866 the revenue from the sale of lots 
was such that it was not thought to be necessary to 
continue the appropriations. In order to create a per- 
manent fund to bring in revenue sufficient to keep up 
the improvements, the board of managers recommended 
and the city council set apart two thousand dollars, 
saved from the sale of lots, as a sinking fund, or rather 
as an endowment fund, and invested it in bonds bear- 
ing ten per cent, interest. In 1867, another thousand 
dollars was added, and additions have since been made, 



202 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

SO that tlie cemetery fund now amounts to about four 
thousand dollars. 

The four acre plat occupied by the old grave yard, 
donated by Elijah lies, reverted to him Avhen it ceased 
to be used as a place of burial. Mr. lies then deeded 
it to Springfield in trust for the benefit of Oak Ridge 
Cemetery. The land is to be divided into lots and 
sold in the year 1883, and the proceeds of the sales 
kept as a fund forever, the interest to be used in em- 
bellishing tlie grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery. There 
is a proviso in the deed favorable to the city purchas- 
ing the land in a body to be used as a public park, if it 
should be thought desirable to do so. 

AVith a view to extinguishing Hutchinson Cemetery, 
the city, in 1866, commenced giving lots in Oak Ridge 
in exchange for lots of equal size in Hutchinson Ceme- 
tery, the lot owners there transferring their lots by 
deed and receivins; deeds in Oak Rido^e in return. In 
this Avay the city has already received the title to more 
than half of Hutchinson Cemetery, and the time is 
not far distant when it will receive it all, and then it 
will be sold and added to the endowment fund of Oak 
Ridge. The land in these two old cemeteries amounts 
to about eiglit acres, and both are near the new State 
House, where land is rapidly rising in value. By the 
time they are to be sold, they will bring such prices as 
to swell the endowment fund of Oak Ridge to such an 
amount that the grounds can be ornamented in the 
very highest style and preserved in that condition. 

The Lincoln Monument grounds being a part of 
Oak Ridge Cemetery, it is proper to state in this place 
that, in September, I'BTl, a citizen of Bloomington con- 
tributed §500, to be used in grading the grounds around 
the monument. .Inother contribution for the same pur- 
pose was made under the following circumstances : 

The Illinois State Sanitary Commission, organized 
during the war for the suppression of the rebellion, 
was composed of John P. Reynolds, President ; Col. 



AXD THE XATIOXAL LIXCOLX MONUMENT. 203 

John Williams, Treasurer ; Col. AYoocls, Robert Irwin, 
Esq., E. B. Hawley, Esq., and Hon. Wm. Butler. They 
were all citizens of Springfield at the time, but Mr. 
Reynolds has removed to Chicago, Col. AVoods to 
Winchester, and Mr. Irwin is deceased. 

In addition to the sanitary work, the commission 
attended to the collection of the claims of soldiers 
ao^ainst the o-overnment. At the close of the war, the 
services of the commission being no longer necessary 
in the field, it turned over the claim business in its 
hands to Col. Woods and Edward J. Eno, now" of St. 
Louis, with the understanding that a certain per cent, 
of their fees should be paid into the treasury of the 
commission. By this arrangement the commission was 
enabled to relieve the wants of many widows and fam- 
ilies of soldiers, and about the close of the war, it do- 
nated §5000 to the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Spring- 
field, before the State commenced providing for that 
class of sufferers. 

More funds accumulated, which remained in the 
treasury until January 1, 1872. At that time it 
amounted to S2459,83. By a resolution of the com- 
mission, the whole amount was placed in the treasury 
of the National Lincoln Monument Association, to be 
expended in embellishing the grounds. The resolu- 
tion contains a proviso that not less than §500 were to 
be used in erecting a slab or shaft on the monument 
grounds, which is to contain the names of the Union 
soldiers buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. This leaves 
§1959.83 for ornamenting the grounds. This work is 
under the superintendence of Mr. Samuel Hood, the 
warden of the cemetery, Avho is an experienced landscape 
gardener. Mr. Hood became sexton or warden of the 
cemetery in the spring of 1867. His books show the 
total number of interments from the beginning of the 
register, in 1858, to the first of January, 1872, to be 
2134, removals from Hutchinson Cemetery 319, and 
removals from other places 133, making a total of 



204 THE GREAT FUNEEAL CORTEGE, 

2586. The remains of Governor Ninian Edwards, the 
first territorial governor of Illinois, were removed from 
Hutchinson to Oak Ridge, October 30, 1866. Gover- 
nor William H. Bissell, who died in office in 1860, 
was buried in Hutchinson Cemetery. A very fine 
monument, at a cost of $5000 to the State of Illinois, 
was erected to his memory in Oak Ridge, under the 
supervision of Hon. Jesse K. Dubois and Hon. O. M. 
Hatch, who filled the offices of Secretary and Auditor 
of State while he was Governor. The remains of the 
Governor and his wife were removed to Oak Ridge, 
with imposing demonstrations and an oration by Gov- 
ernor Palmer, May 30, 1871. A fine marble shaft 
stands in a conspicuous place over the remains of 
General Isham N. Haynie, who died while he was 
Adjutant General of Illinois. Twenty-one other Union 
soldiers are buried in different parts of the grounds. 

Oak Ridge Cemetery is situated near the northwest 
corner of the city of Springfield, and is one and a half 
miles due north of the new State House. A deep ra- 
vine runs from east to west through the cemetery, di- 
viding it into almost equal parts. The original ceme- 
tery was altogether north of this ravine, and for that 
reason the oldest and best improvements are in that 
part of the grounds. The entrance to the original 
cemetery is at the east side, from the northern exten- 
sion of Third street, the gate being just north of the 
ravine. By consulting the map, the reader will ob- 
serve that the entrance is by a wide avenue that 
branches off in various directions so as to extend over 
all the northern part of the cemetery. The map also 
shows that the south entrance is nearer the city than 
that on the east. Funerals, and parties visiting the 
cemetery in carriages, usually enter at the south gate, 
while those who wish to visit the monument and other 
parts of the cemetery on foot go out Fifth street on the 
City railway, to the railway park, which is seen on the 
east side of the map. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN ^klONUMENT. 205 

Going due west from the east gate, you are soou on 
the south side of the ravine, which brings you to the 
receiving tomb, where the remains of Abraham Lin- 
coln were placed May 4, 1865. It is a solid stone 
structure, built in the south bank and faces north. 
About fifty yards southeast of this vault, and about 
half way to the top of the bluff, stood the tomb which 
was built for the temporary sepulture of the remains 
of the President, and in which they rested from De- 
cember 21, 1865, until September 1871, when they 
were removed into the monument. After their last 

^remoyal, the tomb vacated was torn down and the 
ground where it stood graded down about fifteen feet, 

lias previously stated. The relative position of the re- 
ceiving vault, the temporary tomb and the monument 
is all shown on the map. Just east of the monument 
there is a new avenue, beautifully graded and grav- 
eled. Following that south leads to the south gate, 
at the northern extension of Second street, which, at 
that point, is called Monument avenue. 

For a cemetery so new, and for a city of such lim- 
ited population, the improvements are unusually good. 
The grounds, naturally beautiful, have been very much 
improved by art, and are susceptible of the highest, 
ornamentation. The great attraction that will draw 
visitors from all parts of the world for all coming 
time, is the Mausoleum containing the remains of the 
martyred President. 



1 









AREA97rf AKRFR 




BOARD OF MANAGERS ^ 

OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. | 

Hon. S. T. Logan, Pres't. 

D».H. Wohlgemuth, V.Pres. 2 

Obed Lewis, Esq. ^ 

E. B. Haweev, Esq. < 

Hon. John T. Stoabt. u. 
Habsv C. Watson. SecV. 






i^mmm^m^ 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




012 025 973 8 



